Mechanical strengthening mechanism of Zn-Li alloy and its mini tube as potential absorbable stent material

Abstract Pure Zn and Zn-0.5%Li(wt) alloys were cast and extruded into the rods in this study. The micro structure and mechanical properties of Zn, Zn-0.5%Li and its mini tube were evaluated. With the addition of Li, both the UTS and elongation of extruded Zn-0.5%Li alloy increases to 364.9 MPa and 22% compared with Zn. The mini tube made of Zn-0.5%Li alloy shows the UTS of 296.2 MPa and elongation of 33%. The main strengthening mechanism of Zn-Li alloy is attribute to the pinning effects caused by nano LiZn4 precipitates. In conclusion, Zn-Li mini tube could be considered as potential absorbable stent material.