Tailoring Biodegradation of Mg-Ca Alloys By Hydro-Thermal Treatment

Abstract Magnesium alloys are very much prone to corrosion which is undesirable in utilizing them for medical implant applications. Surface modifications to form conversion coating which isolates the bulk material from the surrounding environment is an effective method to control the degradation rate. Hydrothermal treatment is one such cost-effective coating technique for controlling degradation. Mg-Ca alloy surface was modified by hydrothermal treatment to tailor the degradation in the physiological environment. Hydrothermal conversion coating was done for predetermined durations such as 2, 4 and 6 hours. The degradation characteristics were studied by conducting electrochemical tests on treated and untreated samples. The treated samples showed lower degradation rates compared to untreated samples. This reduction in the degradation rate is attributed to the formation of stable Mg(OH)2 layer during the treatment