| Abstract Scope |
Zn is an emerging material for biodegradable implants due to its suitable corrosion rate and nontoxic byproducts in physiological environments. Alloying elements were often added to meet mechanical strength requirements. However, due to its low melting point, Zn is thermally unstable even after alloying. For medical applications, long-term stability is essential for enduring periodic or constant pressure at physiological temperature after implantation. In this study, TiC nanoparticles were dispersed into Zn and its alloys for a systemic fatigue study. Results showed TiC nanoparticles significantly strengthened Zn and controlled grain growth, which partially contributed to improved fatigue performance. Moreover, fatigue fracture surfaces suggest that TiC nanoparticles hinder crack propagation during cyclic loading to improve the fatigue life of Zn. Several Zn nanocomposites were also examined, demonstrating a much better fatigue performance than their pure counterparts. This work shows that nanoparticles can be highly effective in prolonging fatigue life of Zn alloys. |