Biodegradable implants are implants that corrode slowly in vivo in such a way that released corrosion products do not cause any damage to the host. Previous studies on bioresorbable materials focused their attention mainly on magnesium and iron and their alloys. Zinc possesses outstanding biocorrosion properties advantageous over magnesium and iron and thanks to them it is considered a perfect candidate for bioresorbable material applied to stents or bone implants. A serious drawback that limits the utilization of zinc in such applications is its low mechanical properties obtained by conventional treatment.

The study is focused on investigations of low-alloyed zinc with the addition of Mg (from 0.5 to 1.5 wt. %) deformed by hydrostatic extrusion. The materials were cast, next conventionally hot extruded at 250 °C, and finally, hydrostatically extruded (HE) at ambient temperature. Characterization of deformed material was carried out using TEM and SEM methods. The conducted analysis was compared to mechanical properties. The influence of a high degree of deformation on the corrosion rate was examined by immersion and potentiodynamic methods. The thermal stability of the microstructure was analyzed at room and elevated temperatures.

This research explains the mechanisms of intensive deformation and strengthening of low alloyed zinc with the addition of magnesium. The synergy of the alloying and intensive deformation enable the achievement of a controlled strengthening of the alloy and obtaining required mechanical and corrosive characteristics, sufficient to fulfill requirements for biodegradable implants including vascular stents.