A study on the interfacial chemistry of magnesium hydroxide surfaces in aqueous phosphate solutions: Influence of Ca2+, Cl− and protein

► In situ ATR-FTIR analysis on the surface chemistry of magnesium materials. ► Precipitation reactions dominate the overall surface chemistry. ► Proteins increase the dissolution rate of Mg(OH)2 films and Mg alloy coupons. ► Proteins inhibit formation of passive calcium phosphate films.