Development and Characterization of Zn-ZnO Nanocomposites for Enhanced Biodegradable Material Properties

Zinc has attracted significant attention as a versatile material with potential applications in various fields, particularly in biomedical engineering. Despite its desirable characteristics, such as biodegradability and biocompatibility, the inherently low mechanical strength of zinc has been a major limitation for its broader use in clinical applications. To address this issue and enhance its mechanical performance without compromising its biocompatibility, a novel composite material was developed by mixing zinc oxide (ZnO) with zinc (Zn). ZnO is widely recognized for its high chemical stability, non-toxicity, and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent additive for biomedical materials. In this study, Zn-ZnO nanocomposites were fabricated by uniformly dispersing ZnO nanoparticles into molten zinc using an ultrasonic processor. The uniform distribution of ZnO nanoparticles within the zinc matrix was confirmed, and the resulting nanocomposites demonstrated remarkable improvements in mechanical properties. Specifically, the hardness and tensile strength of the Zn-ZnO nanocomposites were increased by approximately 90% and 160%, respectively, compared to pure zinc. To evaluate the biodegradation behavior of the materials, both pure zinc and Zn-ZnO nanocomposite samples were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C, simulating physiological conditions. The degradation rate was assessed by measuring the weight loss of the material over time. The biodegradation rate of the Zn-ZnO nanocomposites was found to be nearly identical to that of pure zinc under identical conditions, indicating that the addition of ZnO did not adversely affect the degradability of the material. These findings suggest that Zn-ZnO nanocomposites offer a promising solution for biomedical applications by combining improved mechanical properties with maintained biodegradability and biocompatibility.