Hardness enhancement of PEO-treated Mg alloy for biodegradable implants Available to Purchase

In recent times, magnesium alloys have emerged as a possible biodegradable implant material. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has been used in the past as a useful surface treatment technique to improve wear resistance and corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys by forming protective coatings. This study focuses on the effect of electrolyte solution on the microstructural and nanomechanical behavior of PEO coatings for possible use in biodegradable implants. Microstructural characterization of the coating was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy followed by image analysis and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, nanoindentation was used to evaluate nanohardness of the PEO coatings. The results show beneficial effects of the PEO coating to improve the hardness of the uncoated AZ31 magnesium alloy. The XRD pattern shows that the crystal structures of the film vary based on electrolyte solution and the effect that has on nanomechanical behavior. In conclusion, this article shows the possible benefit of PEO coating for biodegradable implant use.