Controlling dynamic recrystallization via hot compression: defining the optimal processing window for stable and isotropic Zn-1.2Mg bio-implants

• Zn-1.2Mg alloy is developed as a new biodegradable alloy. • Know-how of the prosessing of this alloy is generated. • Correlation between microstructure and mechanical properties is clarified. This study systematically investigated the hot deformation behavior of the Zn-1.2Mg biodegradable alloy across various strain rates ( έ ) (0.001 to 0.1 s⁻¹) and temperatures (400-550 K) to define optimal processing parameters for implant manufacture. Consistent with established hot deformation theory, the flow stress increases with increasing strain rate and decreases with increasing temperature ( T ). A highly accurate, strain-compensated Arrhenius-type constitutive equation was developed (R² = 0.987), characterizing the deformation mechanisms. Using the Dynamic Material Model (DMM), an **optimal hot working domain** was identified at 500 K and strain rates between 0.001 and 0.01 s⁻¹. Critically, microstructural analysis confirms that this domain generates a highly uniform, refined, equiaxed Dynamic Recrystallization (DRX) microstructure. This specific structural state is essential for enhancing the alloy’s mechanical integrity and ensuring the predictable, uniform degradation kinetics required for safe, controlled bioresorption in vivo .