Surface Modified Biodegradable Polymeric Coated Magnesium Alloys for Controlled Degradation

Magnesium (Mg) alloys due to their biodegradable and biocompatible properties, have become potential candidates for orthopedic and cardiovascular implants. However, such applications have been fraught with unpredictable degradation rates, which have instigated attempts to control corrosion by alloying, surface coating and electrochemical treatment. The present research explores the influence of acid etching and electrochemical surface modification on polymer adhesion and corrosion rate of biodegradable polymer coated Mg alloys in simulated body fluids (SBF). The effect of immersion time on the degradation rate was analyzed by weight gain/loss measurements. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to assess the integrity and surface morphology respectively of surface modified and polymer coated alloys.