Evaluation of Bioactivity and Corrosion Behavior of AZ91 Alloy with Polymer/Ceramic Composite Coating

In this study, polycaprolactone/chitosan/1% baghdadite composite coating was applied on anodized AZ91 alloy to improve the corrosion rate of AZ91 alloy in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for long immersion times, control its degradability and enhance its bioactivity. By applying the composite coating and after seven days of immersion in a phosphate buffer solution, the corrosion rate decreased from 0.21 mg/h.cm2 (for AZ91 sample) to 0.1 mg/h.cm2 (for anodized AZ91 sample). Formation of apatite layer on the surface of specimens is considered a criterion for bioactivity. In order to evaluate the ability of specimens to get covered by an apatite, the SBF test was used. Application of the composite coating yielded the highest ability for apatite formation, controlled release of ions, and the lowest corrosion rate in the SBF so that it could be considered a good choice for bone implants.