The uniform corrosion of biodegradable Mg alloy induced by protein addition in Hanks' balanced salt solution.

The localized corrosion caused by the interphase potential differences and incompleteness of the corrosion product layer results in the premature failure of Mg alloys. In biomedical applications, understanding about the corrosion behavior of Mg alloys in complex environment is still insufficient. In this work, mechanical tests after corrosion were employed to indirectly but generally reflect the localized corrosion of Mg alloy in the protein-containing electrolytes. The results reveal that protein alters the Mg corrosion mode to uniform corrosion and an appropriate amount of protein is beneficial for maintaining its mechanical bearing capacity. This work is helpful for understanding the corrosion behavior of Mg alloys and consummating degradation evaluation systems for Mg alloys. [Display omitted] • Mechanical tests after corrosion is employed to indirectly but generally reflect the localized corrosion of Mg alloy. • The complexation of BSA and Mg2+/Ca2+ leads to the uniform corrosion of Mg alloy. • BSA increases the corrosion rate of Mg alloy but the decline of mechanical properties is less. • Corrosion tests in simple media probably do not accurately reflect the actual service performance of Mg alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]