This article discusses the influence of conversion casein coatings with a thickness of about 20 µm on the structure and the corrosion behavior of two magnesium alloys: MgCa2Zn1 and MgCa2Zn1Gd3. Casein is a protein that, along with whey protein, is a part of milk. Casein coatings are appropriate for bone growth because they contain high amounts of calcium and phosphorus. In this work, casein coatings and casein-free coatings were applied on Mg-based alloys using the conversion process. The structure and topography observations were presented. The corrosion behavior was determined by electrochemical and immersion tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in chloride-rich Ringer solution. The obtained results show that conversion casein coatings effectively protect Mg-based alloys against corrosion. This was confirmed by higher corrosion potentials (Ecorr), polarization resistances (Rp) derived from Tafel's and EIS analysis, as well as low hydrogen release. The volume of hydrogen released after 216 h of immersion for casein coatings applied to MgCa2Zn1 and MgCa2Zn1Gd3 alloys was 19.25 and 12.42 mL/cm2, respectively. The improvement in corrosion resistance of casein coatings was more significant for Mg alloy dopped with gadolinium. The lower corrosion rate of casein conversion coatings is explained by the synergistic effect of the addition of Gd in the Mg-based alloy and the formation of dense, tight conversion casein coatings on the surface of this alloy.
Keywords: Mg-based alloys; casein coatings; conversion coatings; corrosion resistance.