Corrosion behavior of porous ZrO2 ceramic coating on AZ31B magnesium alloy

Magnesium alloys have been recognized as promising implant materials because of their biodegradability. However, rapid degradation due to electrochemical corrosion compromises their cytocompatibility and mechanical integrity. In the present work, a porous ZrO2 ceramic coating was constructed on the surface of AZ31B magnesium alloy (ZrO2-AZ31B) to improve its corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of the coating was evaluated in simulated body fluid solution by electrochemical techniques. Higher open circuit potential, impedance and polarization resistance of ZrO2-AZ31B indicate it has a better corrosion resistance than that of AZ31B substrate in simulated body fluid solution. The results suggest that fabricating a ZrO2 ceramic coating on magnesium alloys is an effective method to decrease the degradation rate of magnesium alloys thereby better matching clinical requirements.