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Bioresorbable metallic alloys represent a significant advancement in the development of temporary biomedical implants, offering a favorable balance between biocompatibility and controlled degradation. This study investigates the impact of a two-step equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) processing route on the performance of a promising biodegradable alloy. The mechanical response was evaluated using uniaxial tensile tests at varying strain rates, while the microstructural evolution was characterized via synchrotron hard X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results demonstrate that the multi-step processing led to a remarkable simultaneous enhancement of both strength and ductility compared to the material's annealed state. Notably, at the lowest strain rate, the alloy exhibited a fracture elongation of up to 240% at room temperature—a unique manifestation of superplasticity under ambient conditions.Structural analysis confirmed the formation of an ultrafine-grained (UFG) microstructure and the activation of non-basal slip systems, which facilitated efficient plastic flow. These findings highlight that controlled severe plastic deformation is an effective strategy for tailoring the properties of bioresorbable alloys. This approach opens new possibilities for the design of next-generation, low-to-moderate load orthopedic fixation devices, such as plates, screws, and suture anchors, which eliminate the need for secondary removal surgeries.
Keywords: Bioresorbable alloys, Equal-channel angular pressing, Ultrafine-grained microstructure, Ambient superplasticity, Hard X-ray diffraction© This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.