Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of pH treatment on the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating layer and the biodegradation rate of hydroxyapatite coated AZ31 alloy for applications in biodegradable implants.
Methods: HA was grown on the surface of AZ31 substrate at three different pH solutions of 7.5, 9.0, and 10.5 respectively by chemical solution treatment method. The coated samples were evaluated their biodegradation behavior by immersion test in the simulated body fluid (SBF) for 14 days. The biodegradation rate of the samples during immersion test was observed by Mg2+ ion quantification method and measuring the increase of pH of the medium.
Results: HA coatings were successfully grown on the AZ31 substrate at three different pH conditions. The sample coated at pH 7.5 showed its uniform and dense coating layer resulted in highest corrosion resistance. While the highest biodegradation rate was observed for the sample coated at pH 10.5 due to many micro-cracks formed in the HA layer. After 14 days of immersion, Mg(OH)2 and calcium phosphate were corrosion products on the surface of the specimens coated at pH 10.5 and pH 9.0 respectively. While HA almost remained on the surface of sample coated at pH 7.5.
Conclusion: AZ31 alloy coated with HA at pH 7.5 has lowest biodegradation rate and become suitable for applications in biodegradable implants.
Keywords: AZ31 alloy; Hydroxyapatite; biodegradation; coating; pH change.