In vitro characterization of ZM21 mini-tube used for biodegradable metallic stent

Abstract Feasibility of a ZM21 mini-tube to be used as biodegradable stent applications was studied mainly focusing on its microstructure, mechanical property and corrosion behaviors. This mini-tube was composed of α-Mg, a small amount of Mn 0.815 Si 0.185 and possibly some undissolved Mn. Compressive yield strength, ultimate compressive strength and compressive strain of this mini-tube were 86.5 ± 4.9 MPa, 347.7 ± 15.0 MPa and 10.9 ± 0.4%, respectively. It exhibited decent corrosion resistance in Hank’s solution with a degradation rate of 0.26 mm/y. ZM21 mini-tube exhibited great potential to be used as biodegradable stents. But before that, localized corrosion should be well solved through impurity control and microstructure control.