In this work, the microstructure, phase state, texture, superelastic and mechanical properties of a Ti–18Zr–15Nb (at. %) shape memory alloy subjected to a combined thermomechanical treatment, including hot rotary forging with either air cooling or water quenching and post-deformation annealing are studied. It was revealed that the main structural component of the deformed and annealed alloy is BCC β-phase. With an increase in the forging temperature from 600 to 700 °C, the average grain size increases from 5.4 to 17.8 µm for the air-cooled specimens and from 3.4 to 14.7 µm for the water-quenched specimens. Annealing at 525 °C after forging at 700 °C with water quenching leads to the formation of a mixed statically and dynamically polygonized substructure of β-phase. In this state, the alloy demonstrates the best combination of functional properties in this study: a Young’s modulus of ~33 GPa, an ultimate tensile strength of ~600 MPa and a superelastic recovery strain of ~3.4%.

Fixation screws and other temporary magnesium alloy fixation devices are used in orthopedic practice because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility and acceptable biodegradation rates. The substitution of dissolving implant by tissues during the healing process is one of the main requirements for biodegradable implants. Previously, clinical tests showed the effectiveness of Ga ions on bone tissue regeneration. This work is the first systematic study on the corrosion rate and biocompatibility of Mg–Zn–Ga–(Y) alloys prepared by hot extrusion, where Ga is an additional major alloying element, efficient as a bone-resorption inhibitor. Most investigated alloys have a low corrosion rate in Hanks’ solution close to ~0.2 mm/year. No cytotoxic effects of Mg–2Zn–2Ga (wt.%) alloy on MG63 cells were observed. Thus, considering the high corrosion resistance and good biocompatibility, the Mg–2Zn–2Ga alloy is possible for applications in osteosynthesis implants with improved bone tissue regeneration ability.