Fabrication of Brushite Coating on AZ91D and AZ31 Alloys by Two-Step Chemical Treatment and Its Surface Protection in Simulated Body Fluid

A biocompatible dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) brushite coating of flake-like crystals was developed on AZ91D and AZ31 magnesium (Mg) surfaces to control and slow down the rapid degradation rate of the substrates. The electrochemical behavior of the DCPD-coated substrates was examined in a simulated body fluid (SBF) with uncoated substrates as the control. Fabrication of the coating was achieved via chemical immersion technique by modifying the surfaces with Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and KH2PO4 in addition to heat treatment. The morphology of the DCPD coating is uniform and dense with a flake-like crystal structure. After in vitro tests, the DCPD coating would have exhibited excellent corrosion resistance with more biomineralization of the active calcium phosphate (CaP). Moreover, the DCPD coating induced CaP formation after immersion in the SBF, indicating excellent bioactivity upon increasing the coating. Hence, the two-step chemical treatment enhances the bioactivity of DCPD coatings on Mg alloys, making them better implant materials.