Correlation between Microstructural Parameters and Fatigue Life of Zn-Mg-(Sn, Mn, Ca) Alloys for Metallic Biomaterials

• Grant number: 25/11512-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Crystopher Cardoso de Brito
• Grantee: Hanna Ginsicke Ferreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus São João da Boa Vista. São João da Boa Vista , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The study of metallic alloys for bioresorbable biomaterials has highlighted the need to evaluate mechanical behavior under cyclic loading. In this context, the present project will investigate the fatigue performance of Zn-1%Mg-0.5%Sn, Zn-1%Mg-0.5%Mn, and Zn-1%Mg-0.5%Ca alloys, produced by directional solidification under transient conditions. Fatigue tests will be conducted in accordance with ASTM E466, using cylindrical specimens subjected to constant-amplitude axial loading, with a load ratio of R = 0.1 and a frequency of 25 Hz. The objective is to determine the high-cycle fatigue (HCF) strength of these alloys, correlating microstructural evolution with mechanical performance. The study aims to establish S-N curves and fatigue life up to 10¿ cycles, examining the influence of intermetallic phases formed during solidification. The expected outcomes will support the optimization of these alloys for biomedical applications, with emphasis on mechanical resistance under cyclic conditions, a critical requirement for temporary implants subjected to dynamic loads in physiological environments. (AU)