A calcium phosphate coating improving corrosion resistance of the biodegradable magnesium alloy with graphene oxide modifying the deposition

Biodegradable magnesium alloy is an ideal material for medical implant applications, but its application is limited by its rapid degradation. Therefore, it becomes the main goal to improve corrosion resistance. In this study, a calcium phosphate dihydrate/graphene oxide composite coating was designed on the AZ60 alloy for medical applications. A calcium phosphate dihydrate coating was first prepared by biomimetic deposition on the alkali pretreated magnesium alloy, and graphene oxide was dispersed in the solution to modify the deposition. The results showed that graphene oxide could not only alter the loose striped calcium phosphate coating to the compact flaked composite coating, but also enhance the corrosion resistance with a reduced corrosion current density by 2 orders of magnitude, an increased impedance by 3 orders of magnitude and a corrosion rate down to 7/20. The in vitro biocompatibility of the composite coating was also demonstrated by a series cell experiments, with a cell viability of 120%. The composite coating provides a feasible method to enhance the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of magnesium alloys.