Ag-containing antibacterial self-healing micro-arc oxidation coatings on Mg–Zn–Sr alloys
Yang Chen, Jinhe Dou, Zengfen Pang, Zhiqiang Zheng, Huijun Yu, Chuanzhong Chen
Abstract
The rapid degradation rate restricts the application of magnesium-based biomaterials. Therefore, we constructed Ag-containing micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings on Mg–3Zn–0.5Sr alloys to improve the properties of magnesium alloys. Different concentrations of CH3COOAg (0, 1, 2, 3 g L−1) were added into the electrolyte to investigate the effects of Ag+ content on properties of MAO coatings. The addition of CH3COOAg led to the formation of Ag2O and Ag2CO3 phases, which sealed the micro-pores and improved the corrosion resistance of the samples significantly. The samples with addition of 2 and 3 g L−1 CH3COOAg exhibited strong antibacterial ability against E.coli due to the gradual release of Ag+ in the degradation process. It was verified that the samples with addition of 2 g L−1 CH3COOAg obtained the most high bonding strength, dense construction, excellent corrosion resistance, cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties. The bacteria-killing methods of Ag-containing MAO coatings were discussed in the article.