Fluoride Conversion Coating on Biodegradable AZ31B Magnesium Alloy

A fluoride conversion coating was successfully prepared on AZ31B magnesium alloy by chemical reaction in hydrofluoric acid. Morphologies, composition, bonding strength, corrosion properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial properties of the coating were investigated, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy observations revealed a dense coating with some irregular pores. The thin-film X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the coating was mainly composed of MgO and MgF2. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results showed that the fluoride conversion coating significantly improved the corrosion resistance of AZ31B. The hydroxyapatite formed on the surface of the fluoride coated AZ31B after being immersed in the simulated blood plasma indicated the good bioactivity of the material. The in vitro cytotoxicity test showed that the fluoride coated AZ31B alloy was not toxic to BMMSCs (human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells). It was also found that the fluoride coated AZ31B alloy had antibacterial capability.