Effect of zinc content on the microstructure, in vitro bioactivity, and corrosion behavior of the microarc oxidized Mg–xZn–0.6Ca (x = 3.0, 4.5, 6.0) alloy

Bioceramic calcium phosphorus (CaP) coatings were prepared on self-designed Mg–xZn–0.6Ca (x = 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 wt. %) alloy by microarc oxidation (MAO). The corrosion resistance, bioactivity, and biodegradability of the CaP coatings prepared on alloys with different zinc (Zn) contents were systematically studied and discussed by potentiodynamic polarization and in vitro immersion tests in the simulated body fluid solution. The CaP coatings and corrosion products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Based on the difference of microstructure caused by zinc content, the effect of microstructure on the properties of MAO coatings was analyzed by taking grain boundary and second phase defects as examples. Results showed that the CaP coatings could be prepared on the surface of the self-designed Mg–Zn–0.6Ca alloy by MAO. The CaP coatings have good bioactivity. Meanwhile, the Zn content has a significant effect on the microstructure of the CaP coatings. When the Zn content is 3.0 wt. %, the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of the CaP coatings are obviously improved with good biological properties.