Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Treatment of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy for Biomedical Applications: The Influence of Applied Current on Corrosion Resistance and Surface Characteristics

Magnesium alloys are an exciting challenge for the biomaterials field given their well-established biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, when exposed to biological fluids, rapid degradation hydrogen release main drawbacks clinical applications. This work aimed investigate influence of current density applied during plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment on durability AZ31 magnesium alloy. In particular, specific interest was directed rate undergone by PEO coating, obtained under two different conditions, Hank’s solution at 37 °C simulate physiological environment, employing techniques potentiodynamic polarization electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Experimental results highlighted that technique resulted in improvement corrosion resistance alloy test solution. The affected morphology coating. anodic oxide coating applying highest showed a higher thickness fewer but larger pores, while lowest generated thinner characterized several smaller pores. Surprisingly, best has been exhibited grown density.