A novel biodegradable nicotinic acid/calcium phosphate composite coating on Mg–3Zn alloy

A novel biodegradable composite coating is prepared to reduce the biodegradation rate of Mg–3Zn alloy. The Mg–3Zn substrate is first immersed into 0.02 mol L− 1 nicotinic acid (NA) solution, named as vitamin B3, to obtain a pretreatment film, and then the electrodeposition of calcium phosphate coating with ultrasonic agitation is carried out on the NA pretreatment film to obtain a NA/calcium phosphate composite coating. Surface morphology is observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical composition is determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and EDX. Protection property of the coatings is evaluated by electrochemical tests. The biodegradable behavior is investigated by immersion tests. The results indicate that a thin but compact bottom layer can be obtained by NA pretreatment. The electrodeposition calcium phosphate coating consists of many flake particles and ultrasonic agitation can greatly improve the compactness of the coating. The composite coating is biodegradable and can reduce the biodegradation rate of Mg alloys in stimulated body fluid (SBF) for twenty times. The biodegradation process of the composite coating can be attributed to the gradual dissolution of the flake particles into chippings.

► NA/calcium phosphate composite coating is prepared to protect Mg–3Zn alloy implant.
► Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) is available to obtain a protective bottom film.
► Ultrasonic agitation greatly improves the compactness of calcium phosphate coating.
► The composite coating can reduce the biodegradation rate of Mg–3Zn twenty times.
► The composite coating is biodegraded by the dissolution of flakes into chippings.