Rotary swaged biocompatible Zn-1Mg-0.1Mn alloy with improved strength and ductility

The effect of rotary swaging (RS) on the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo of the Zn-1Mg-0.1Mn (wt%) alloy was studied in this work. A structure with α-Zn grains elongated along the deformation direction and spherical particles of the eutectic phase are formed in the Zn-1Mg-0.1Mn alloy after RS. RS also leads to the formation of an ultrafine-grained structure with a grain size of less than 1 μm and the precipitation of MnZn13 particles. The formation of such a microstructure increases the strength (YS up to 274 ± 8 MPa, UTS up to 295 ± 4 MPa) and fatigue limit (σR = 130 MPa) of the alloy without loss of ductility. At the same time, RS does not lead to deterioration of the corrosion resistance of the alloy and cause a tendency to slow down the degradation process. The biocompatibility in vitro of the Zn-1Mg-0.1Mn alloy both before and after RS is at an acceptable for medical use level. It is also interesting that the alloy does not promote the growth of adenocarcinoma cells line SKBR3. Implantation of the alloy under the periosteum of the mice tibia does not cause the formation of foci of osteomalacia or accumulation of pus, as well as processes of rejection of samples or tissue inflammation. In this regard, it can be concluded that the alloy can be considered a promising material for use in orthopedic oncology. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.