In vitro degradation and electrochemical corrosion evaluations of microarc oxidized pure Mg, Mg–Ca and Mg–Ca–Zn alloys for biomedical applications

• Ca and Zn are suitable alloying elements in the development of novel Mg implants.
• Micropore and crack are two factors affecting the MAO coating corrosion behavior.
• Dissolution and precipitation of apatites on MAO coating are reversible reactions.

Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic coatings were fabricated on pure magnesium (Mg) and self-designed Mg–0.6Ca, Mg–0.55Ca–1.74Zn alloys by microarc oxidation (MAO). The coating formation, growth and biomineralization mechanisms were discussed. The coating degradability and bioactivity were evaluated by immersion tests in trishydroxymethyl–aminomethane hydrochloric acid (Tris–HCl) buffer and simulated body fluid (SBF) solutions, respectively. The coatings and corrosion products were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). The electrochemical workstation was used to investigate the electrochemical corrosion behaviors of substrates and coatings. Results showed that Mg–0.55Ca–1.74Zn alloy exhibits the highest mechanical strength and electrochemical corrosion resistance among the three alloys. The MAO-coated Mg–0.55Ca–1.74Zn alloy has the potential to be served as a biodegradable implant.

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