Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• LPBF successfully fabricated high-density (99.58%) Zn-4Cu alloy with optimized parameters (100 W, 100 mm/s). • The alloy exhibited improved hardness (68.2 HV) and yield strength (160 MPa) due to solid solution, segregation, and grain refinement. • Favorable degradation rate of 0.16 mm/year was achieved, driven by micro-galvanic corrosion between CuZn5 phase and Zn matrix. • This work provides a viable strategy for producing biodegradable Zn-based implants with enhanced mechanical integrity via LPBF.
Abstract
Zn's natural degradability and biocompatibility make it a promising candidate for implants, however, its mechanical properties remain insufficient for bone applications. In this study, the performance of Zn was enhanced by developing Zn-Cu alloys via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Optimal LPBF parameters for forming stable tracks were achieved by adjusting laser power and scanning speed. Under optimized conditions of 100 W and 100 mm/s, high-density (99.58%) Zn-Cu alloys with improved hardness (68.2HV) and yield strength (160 MPa) were achieved. These improvements are attributed to solid solution strengthening, segregation strengthening, and grain refinement. The Zn-Cu alloys also demonstrated favorable degradation behavior, with a rate of 0.16 mm/year. This degradation is primarily driven by micro-galvanic corrosion between the CuZn5 phase and Zn matrix, along with refined grains and increased grain boundary density. This work demonstrates a viable strategy for fabricating Zn-based implants with enhanced structural integrity and mechanical performance via LPBF.
1. Introduction
Remarkable advancements in biomaterials have led to the widespread exploration of medical implants in orthopedic surgeries, offering effective solutions for bone-related ailments and injuries. However, a considerable gap remains between the supply of implants and the escalating demand. Biodegradable implants, in particular, offer notable advantages by eliminating the need for secondary surgical removal, thereby alleviating physical discomfort and financial burdens for patients. Consequently, research efforts have been predominantly directed towards the compositional design and procedural strategies for biodegradable implants.
Among various biodegradable materials, zinc (Zn) has garnered attention due to favorable degradation behavior, ensuring structural integrity during the initial stages of implantation. Furthermore, Zn exhibits complete dissolution post-tissue recovery, thus reducing the likelihood of gas pocket formation or chronic inflammation often associated with magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe). As a catalyst for over 50 distinct enzymes, Zn plays a vital role in immune regulation, the synthesis of protein and DNA, wound healing, and bone formation. Consequently, Zn holds substantial promise for bone implants due to its good biocompatibility and natural degradability.
However, Zn crystallizes in a hexagonal close-packed structure with limited slip systems. Conventional processing methods typically produce a coarse-grained structure, making Zn susceptible to stress concentration and crack initiation under loading, which significantly limits its mechanical suitability for bone implant. Therefore, novel alloying and processing strategies are urgently needed to develop Zn-based biomaterials with improved mechanical properties.
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WANG Han-dan, ZHAO Yang, DONG An-ping, HE Lin, SHUAI Ci-jun, GAO Cheng-de (2026). Laser powder bed fusion of biodegradable Zn-4Cu alloy: Processing, microstructure and properties. Journal of Central South University. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-026-6173-x
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of this study?
The main objective is to enhance the mechanical properties of biodegradable zinc for bone implants by developing Zn-Cu alloys using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), and to investigate their processing, microstructure, and properties.
What were the optimized LPBF parameters used in this study?
The optimized LPBF parameters were a laser power of 100 W and a scanning speed of 100 mm/s, which resulted in high-density (99.58%) Zn-Cu alloys.
What improvements in mechanical properties were achieved?
The Zn-Cu alloys achieved improved hardness of 68.2 HV and yield strength of 160 MPa, attributed to solid solution strengthening, segregation strengthening, and grain refinement.
What is the degradation rate of the Zn-Cu alloy?
The Zn-Cu alloy exhibited a favorable degradation rate of 0.16 mm/year, primarily driven by micro-galvanic corrosion between the CuZn5 phase and the Zn matrix.
What is the significance of this work for biomedical applications?
This work demonstrates a viable strategy for fabricating Zn-based implants with enhanced structural integrity and mechanical performance via LPBF, which could improve the suitability of zinc for bone implant applications.
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