Enhanced corrosion and wear resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy in simulated body fluid via electrodeposition of nanocrystalline zinc

In order to prolong the service life of magnesium-based implants in the human body, nanocrystalline zinc (30 nm) was electrodeposited on AZ31 magnesium alloy, its electrochemical and tribological properties in simulated body fluid (SBF) were investigated. It was demonstrated that electrodeposition of nanocrystalline zinc resulted not only in more than 4 times increase in corrosion resistance, but also in a significant enhancement in corrosive wear resistance of magnesium alloy. Detailed analyses were conducted to clarify the mechanism responsible for performance improvements. This is a biocompatible, economical and simple approach with the promise for large-scale application in surface modification of magnesium alloy implants.