Effect of Hydroxyapatite on Hot Deformation Behavior and Processing Map Development of Biodegradable Magnesium‐3 wt.% Zinc‐Based Composites for Orthopedic Applications

Magnesium (Mg)‐based biocomposites have been widely explored for fracture treatment, with hydroxyapatite (HA) as a reinforcement. However, due to their intrinsic properties, Mg‐HA composite shows brittleness, leading to challenges for fabrication of intricate shapes like screws, nails and plates with desired accuracy at low processing temperatures. Assessment of high‐temperature processing parameters of Mg‐HA composite is needed to develop an intricate shape of implants. The present study investigates the hot deformation behavior of Mg‐HA composite using hot compression tests within the temperature range of 300°C–400°C and strain rates between 0.001 and 1 s ⁻¹ . True stress‐true strain behavior was plotted to gain insight into mechanical response of Mg‐HA composites. Additionally, 3D processing maps and constitutive analysis were performed and the constitutive model demonstrated the ability to precisely forecast hot deformation behavior of Mg‐HA composites. Activation energy of composites was calculated as 153 and 199 kJ/mol for MZ (Mg‐3 wt.% Zinc (Zn)) and MZ15H (Mg‐ 3 wt.% Zn‐15 wt.% HA) composites, respectively. Microstructural characterizations revealed higher dynamic softening for MZ15H than MZ composite. This study encompasses a comprehensive analysis of mechanical properties and microstructural evolution during hot deformation of Mg‐HA composites. Outcomes of the present study may contribute toward the development of superior Mg‐HA‐based orthopedic implants with improved workability and mechanical properties.