Structure and Corrosion Behavior of TiO2 Thin Films Deposited by ALD on a Biomedical Magnesium Alloy

Magnesium alloys have been investigated as temporary biomaterials for orthopedic applications. Despite their high osseointegration and mechanical (bone-like) properties, Mg alloys quickly degrade in simulated physiological media. Surface coatings can be deposited onto Mg alloys to slow the corrosion rate of these biomaterials in chloride-rich environments. TiO2 films show high potential for improving the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. This article presents the structural observations and corrosion behavior of TiO2 thin films deposited onto a MgCa2Zn1Gd3 alloy using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Surface morphologies were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman analysis of the deposited TiO2 films was also carried out. The corrosion behavior of the uncoated alloy and the alloy coated with TiO2 was measured in Ringer’s solution at 37 °C using electrochemical and immersion tests. The microscopic observations of the TiO2 thin films with a thickness of about 52.5 and 70 nm showed that the surface morphology was homogeneous without visible defects on the TiO2 surface. The electrochemical and immersion test results showed that the thin films decreased the corrosion rate of the studied Mg-based alloy, and the corrosion resistance was higher in the thicker TiO2 film.