Influence of high-temperature ECAP on the structure and mechanical properties of a biodegradable Zn-Cu-Mn alloy for medical implants
- Authors: Abdrakhmanova E.D.1, Khafizova E.D.1, Polenok M.V.1, Islamgaliev R.K.1, Li Z.2, Li L.2, Liang Y.2, Zhang M.2, Yilmazer H.3
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Affiliations:
- Ufa University of Science and Technology
- Harbin Engineering University
- Yildiz Technical University
- Issue: No 1 (2026)
- Pages: 9-18
- Section: Articles
- URL: https://vektornaukitech.ru/jour/article/view/1179
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.18323/2782-4039-2026-1-75-1
- ID: 1179
Cite item
Abstract
Problem. Currently used materials for ureteral stents are unable to eliminate inflammation, exhibit low strength, and require a second surgery for removal. Metallic bioresorbable stents can reduce the burden on the patient’s body and eliminate additional operations for product removal. Aim. To produce a new biocompatible Zn-1 %Cu-1 %Mn alloy and, using equal-channel angular pressing at elevated temperature, to develop an improved set of mechanical properties for potential application as a material for ureteral stents. Methods. The Zn-1 %Cu1 %Mn alloy was subjected to equal-channel angular pressing at 200 °C (8 passes, route Bc). The microstructure and elemental composition were studied using transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive analysis. Mechanical properties were evaluated under uniaxial tension (strain rate of 10–3 с–1, at least 3 samples per each condition), Vickers microindentation with construction of hardness distribution maps, and fractographic analysis of fracture surfaces using a scanning electron microscope. Results. By indexing diffraction patterns, it was established that the deformation processing promotes the precipitation of MnZn13 phase particles, which may have a strengthening effect. Fractographic analysis of fractured samples after tension showed a change in the fracture character from brittle to ductile with deep dimples. Carrying out equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) for 8 passes at elevated temperatures allowed increasing the ultimate tensile strength by 2.3 times, the offset yield strength by 3 times, and the percentage elongation by 8 times. The distribution of microhardness values becomes more uniform with an increase in passes from 2 to 8, and the gap between the smallest and largest values decreases. Conclusions. It was established that the deformation method (ECAP, 8 passes) for the new biocompatible Zn-1 %Cu-1 %Mn alloy develops an improved set of mechanical properties, which opens up possibilities for its application in medical purposes.
About the authors
Elmira D. Abdrakhmanova
Ufa University of Science and Technology
Email: elmira.abdr2019@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-2775-7488
student
Russian Federation, 450076, Russia, Ufa, Zaki Validi Street, 32.Elvira D. Khafizova
Ufa University of Science and Technology
Email: ela.90@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4618-412X
PhD (Engineering), assistant professor of Chair of Materials Science and Metal Physics
Russian Federation, 450076, Russia, Ufa, Zaki Validi Street, 32.Milena V. Polenok
Ufa University of Science and Technology
Email: renaweiwei.179@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9774-1689
postgraduate student of Chair of Materials Science and Metal Physics
Russian Federation, 450076, Russia, Ufa, Zaki Validi Street, 32.Rinat K. Islamgaliev
Ufa University of Science and Technology
Email: rinatis@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6234-7363
Doctor of Sciences (Physics and Mathematics),
professor of Chair of Materials Science and Metal Physics
Zhen Li
Harbin Engineering University
Email: lz_heu@hrbeu.edu.cn
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1188-4783
PhD, assistant professor of Chair of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
China, China, Heilongjiang province, Harbin city, Nangang district, Nantong road 145Li Li
Harbin Engineering University
Email: lili_heu@hrbeu.edu.cn
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0157-8106
PhD, professor of Chair of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
China, China, Heilongjiang province, Harbin city, Nangang district, Nantong road 145Yingzhu Liang
Harbin Engineering University
Email: liangyingru@hrbeu.edu.cn
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-2063-2155
postgraduate student
of Chair of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
Meng Zhang
Harbin Engineering University
Author for correspondence.
Email: zhangmeng96@hrbeu.edu.cn
postgraduate student
of Chair of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
Hakan Yilmazer
Yildiz Technical University
Email: yilmazerh@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5602-4966
PhD, assistant professor of Chair of Metallurgy and Materials Science
Turkey, Turkey, Yıldız-İstanbul, Barbaros Boulevard 34349References
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