Evaluation of Surface Characteristics and Physical Properties on Biodegradable Magnesium-Calcium Alloys by Anodic Oxidation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of calcium (Ca) on the surface characteristics and physical properties of magnesium-calcium alloys after anodization. A novel binary alloy Mg-xCa (in which x = 0.5, 1, or 5 wt.%) was cast by combining magnesium (99.9%) and calcium (99.9%) in an argon gas (99.99%) atmosphere. A magnesium alloy rod having a diameter of 15 mm was cut into discs, each 2 mm thick. The specimens were subjected to anodic oxidation at 120 V for 15 minutes at room temperature in an electrolyte solution consisting of calcium gluconate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium hydroxide. Surface and cross-sectional morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the microstructures and phases were detected by means of X-ray diffraction. Hardness and surface roughness were assessed by means of a Vickers hardness tester and a surface roughness meter, respectively. The results show that the physical properties of these magnesiumcalcium alloys have been improved, because it was possible to control the dissolution rate according to the amount of calcium added.