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Toughness and Strength Coordination in a Low-Alloy Zn–0.5 Mg Alloy via Extrusion and Post-Deformation Annealing

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Abstract

Zn is considered one of the most attractive bioresorbable candidates for metal implants, because it does not exhibit the inherent limitations of Fe and Mg. To explore the coordination of the toughness and strength of Zn alloys via grain size, secondary phase, and texture modification, we designed a micro-alloyed binary Zn–0.5 Mg (wt%) alloy. The sample was processed through hot extrusion at 220 °C with an extrusion ratio of 25:1 and subjected to rapid heat treatment at varying temperatures. Interestingly, the ductility of the low-temperature annealed alloys increased without exhibiting strength loss, in contrast to the known behavior of most other metallic alloys. The mechanical properties were optimized in the sample by thermal deformation and 30 min annealing at 150 °C, exhibiting the following results: yield strength of 240.3 ± 4.3 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 293.6 ± 3.8 MPa, and elongation to failure of 36.3 ± 4.5%. During the low-temperature annealing of extruded Zn–0.5 Mg rods, the fine Mg2Zn11 phase particles pinning effect and the recrystallization behavior inhibited grain coarsening. The prismatic <a> and pyramidal <c + a> slip systems were activated by a non-basal texture, which contributed to the enhanced toughness. The balance between strength and ductility was mainly attributed to a synergistic effect of grain refinement, unique texture modification, and secondary phases.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank to the financial support from Hongliu first-class discipline construction plan of Lanzhou University of Technology. This study was also supported by Outstanding Postgraduate Innovation Star Project of Gansu Provincial Department of Education (Project No. 2022CXZX-389).

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  1. State Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing and Recycling of Nonferrous Metals, Lanzhou University of Technology, No. 287 Langongping Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China, 730050

    Ruimin Li, Yutian Ding & Hongfei Zhang

  2. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050, People’s Republic of China

    Ruimin Li, Yutian Ding & Hongfei Zhang

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  1. Ruimin Li
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Li, R., Ding, Y. & Zhang, H. Toughness and Strength Coordination in a Low-Alloy Zn–0.5 Mg Alloy via Extrusion and Post-Deformation Annealing. Met. Mater. Int. 29, 2807–2825 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12540-023-01420-y

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