Investigation of the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, in Vitro Degradation Behavior, and Biocompatibility of Newly Developed Zn‐0.6%Li Alloy

Zn–Li alloys are considered as one of the promising materials in biodegradable bone implants because they have excellent biocompatibility and high strength. This study examines the extrusion deformation effects on the microstructure, mechanical characteristics, in vitro degradation behavior, and biocompatibility of Zn‐0.6Li alloy. It is shown that primary α‐Zn and LiZn 4 precipitates of as‐extruded Zn‐0.6Li alloy are significantly refined. The dendritic primary α‐Zn is refined into fine equiaxed grains. The eutectic (α‐Zn + LiZn 4 ) lamellar spacing distributed in dendrites are refined from 0.86 ± 0.5 to 0.57 ± 0.4 μm. The extruded Zn‐0.6Li alloy of the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation are significantly enhanced, reaching 365, 498 MPa, and 13.55%, respectively. In Hanks’ solution, the electrochemical corrosion rate and immersion corrosion rate of extruded Zn‐0.6Li alloy are 1.479 ± 0.061 and 0.878 ± 0.006 mm year −1 . In addition, the cytotoxicity test and CCK‐8 evaluation demonstrate that the extruded Zn‐0.6Li alloy displays a good biocompatibility.