Electrochemical evaluation of AZ 31 magnesium alloy in two simulated biological solutions

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of AZ31 alloy as a prospective biomedical implant in two different simulated biological solutions and various immersion times.

Design/methodology/approach

Results of electrochemical experiments indicated that corrosion resistance of specimens immersed for 24 h was superior, suggesting that the surface layer is capable of protecting alloy.

Findings

Scanning electron micrographs revealed that this layer abounds with cracks, exhibiting optimum quality in 24 h immersion time, after which it begins to develop corrosion pits. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis suggested that the layer is mainly composed of magnesium hydroxide with precipitates of P and Ca containing species present on its surface, which is an indication of biocompatibility.

Originality/value

Finally, corrosion performance of Mg alloy was found to be slightly better in Lac-simulated biological solution (SBF) solution, which is more representative of actual physiological environment as compared to conventional SBF solutions.

Citation

Yazdani, M., Afshar, A., Mohammadi, N. and Paranj, B. (2017), "Electrochemical evaluation of AZ 31 magnesium alloy in two simulated biological solutions", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 64 No. 1, pp. 103-108. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-02-2016-1649