Effect of Cu Content on Microstructure and Properties of Zn-2.0Mg-xCu Alloys

Zn-2.0 Mg-xCu alloys were prepared by powder metallurgy method. The effects of Cu elements on the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties of Zn-2.0Mg-xCu alloys were studied.The research results of Zn-2.0Mg-xCu alloys show that Zn-2.0Mg-xCu alloys (x=0.5-2.0wt%) all have η-Zn and Mg₂Zn₁₁ phases.With the increase of Cu content, the porosity increases, but the microhardness and compressive strength of the alloys first increase and then decrease.The microhardness and compressive strength of Zn-2.0Mg-1.5Cu alloy sintered at 380 ℃for 2 h come to the maximum of 77.3 HV and 126.7 MPa. As the Cu contents in the alloy increase, the passivation current density, corrosion rate and weight loss of Zn-2.0Mg-xCu alloys all increase.After immersed in artificial simulated body fluid for 14 d, the obvious corrosion pits appear on the surface of the alloys. The research on the antibacterial activity of Zn-2.0Mg-xCu shows that Zn-2.0Mg-xCu alloys have good killing and anti proliferation effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.With the increase of Cu content, the antibacterial effect of Zn-2.0Mg-xCu is more obvious.