Fabrication and characterization of A Zn-0.5Fe alloy membrane by powder metallurgy route for guided bone regeneration

Abstract

A Zn-0.5Fe membrane with a thickness of 0.1 mm was produced by powder sintering and then hot extrusion and hot rolling. The microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion properties and cytotoxicity of the Zn-0.5Fe membrane were investigated. The Zn-0.5Fe membrane had a finer and uniform microstructure in comparison to as-sintered Zn-0.5Fe and as-extruded Zn-0.5Fe alloys. Among the three alloys, the Zn-0.5Fe membrane exhibited the best mechanical properties, due to the fine grain strengthening, which is caused by the grain refinement and porosity reduction of the Zn-0.5Fe alloy after processing. The corrosion results of the Zn-0.5Fe alloys in Ringer’s solution show that the corrosion resistance was improved after hot working because of the decrease of micro-galvanic corrosion caused by intermetallic compound. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity test assessed by MC3T3-E1 subclone 14 cells showed the Zn-0.5Fe membrane had an acceptable biocompatibility. Therefore, the Zn-0.5Fe membrane has great potential for biodegradable guided bone regeneration.