The effect of interlayer on corrosion resistance of ceramic coating/Mg alloy substrate in simulated physiological environment

► An AlOxNy ceramic coating is deposited on Mg alloy with Al or Ti interlayers. ► The ceramic coating improves the corrosion resistance in a cell culture medium. ► The addition of Ti interlayer accelerates the corrosion. ► The Al interlayer reduces the surface hardness, but retards the corrosion. ► The corrosion failure mechanism is discussed from the perspective of defects.