Corrosion resistance and surface biocompatibility of diamond-like carbon coating on AZ31D magnesium alloy

To improve corrosion resistance and blood compatibility of Mg alloy for intravascular stent application, nanostructured diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating was prepared onto the surface of Mg alloy substrates using radio-frequency plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition. The surface chemical composition, wettability and anti-corrosion property were also examined. The results show that the coating consists of sp2/sp3 hybrid non-crystalline carbon nano-particles with the size of about 50 nm which form uniform, dense and super-hydrophobic cover. In simulated body fluid solution, the Mg/DLC exhibits a good property of anti-corrosion. Moreover, platelets in vitro assays demonstrate that the Mg/DLC can significantly inhibit the platelet adhesion, thus indicating it has excellent blood compatibility.