Biocorrosion of coated Mg–Zn–Ca alloy under constant compressive stress close to that of human tibia

Abstract: Besides common immersion tests, it''s essential to investigate biocorrosion of degradable magnesium alloys in physiological environment under stress that bone implants bear in vivo. Using self-designed immersion method simulating in vivo conditions and conventional immersion test, corrosion morphologies and pH variations of the coated samples with or without compressive stress and the substrate alloy were studied. Results showed that the applied stress can change the degradation mode of coated samples and promote corrosion process, causing peeling-off locations on the coating and continuous increase of pH value. Meanwhile, biocompatibility of the coated samples was not apparently affected by the compressive stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]