SLM Magnesium Alloy Micro-Arc Oxidation Coating

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a 3D printing technique for fabricating metal alloys.
• Magnesium alloys are attractive for biomedical applications due to their low density and potential bioactivity.
• Surface modification is crucial for enhancing the performance of SLM-fabricated materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of micro-arc oxidation on SLM-fabricated magnesium alloy.
• To analyze changes in microstructure, elemental distribution, wetting angle, and corrosion resistance.
• To evaluate the influence of inherent SLM defects on the treated alloy's properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of magnesium alloy using Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
• Application of micro-arc oxidation treatment to the SLM alloy.
• Characterization of surface morphology, elemental composition, roughness, wetting angle, and corrosion resistance.

Main Results:

• SLM magnesium alloy exhibited surface porosity (2-3.2%) and high roughness (180 nm).
• Micro-arc oxidation enhanced hydrophilicity and corrosion resistance, with Mg3(PO4)2 on the surface and MgO internally.
• Surface defects negatively affected the extent of corrosion resistance improvement.

Conclusions:

• Micro-arc oxidation improves SLM magnesium alloy surface properties, enhancing hydrophilicity and potential bioactivity.
• Surface roughness increased post-treatment, promoting cell proliferation.
• Inherent SLM defects pose challenges for optimizing corrosion resistance in treated magnesium alloys.