Bond strength and corrosion resistance of bioglass coated magnesium alloy fabricated by uniaxial pressing and microwave hybrid heating

Abstract Bioactive ceramics coated magnesium alloys with a combination of suitable mechanical strength and adjustable corrosion resistance are desired for biodegradable implants. In this study, a dense bioglass coated magnesium alloy was fabricated by uniaxial pressing and microwave hybrid heating technique. The microstructure, bond strength and corrosion behavior of the samples were evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, tensile bond test, electrochemical and immersion test. It was shown that uniaxial pressing conducted at the glass transition temperature significantly densified the sol–gel derived bioglass coating, which was free of pores and micro-cracks. The compact coating structure combined with mild interfacial stress not only improved the cohesion/adhesion strength (25.8 ± 2.6 MPa) but also enhanced corrosion resistance by retarding the penetration of corrosive solution. Furthermore, the formed CaP precipitates on the surface of the coating would provide another protection for the magnesium alloy to some extent.