Recent advancements in corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of magnesium have emerged from research conducted by Neda Aboudzadeh at the Materials and Metallurgy Engineering Faculty of Iran University of Science and Technology. The study, published in the Journal of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, investigates a novel dual-layer coating of nHydroxyapatite and Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) applied to magnesium substrates. This innovative approach not only aims to enhance the longevity of magnesium in clinical applications but also opens new avenues in the construction sector where magnesium alloys could be utilized in more aggressive environments.
“By applying this dual-layer coating, we observed a significant increase in the corrosion potential and a reduction in the corrosion current density,” Aboudzadeh explained. The results showed that the corrosion potential improved from -1.82V to -1.41V, while the corrosion current density dropped from 2.3 µA/cm² to 0.37 µA/cm². These findings indicate that the coating effectively protects magnesium from corrosive elements, a critical factor for materials used in construction and biomedical applications.
The implications of this research are profound. Magnesium is increasingly recognized for its lightweight and strength properties, making it an attractive option for various construction applications, including high-performance structures and components. However, its susceptibility to corrosion has limited its widespread use. With the introduction of this dual-layer coating, the durability of magnesium can be significantly improved, potentially leading to a shift in material selection for various construction projects.
Furthermore, the study’s results on cell proliferation in the presence of magnesium samples with the dual-layer coating suggest that this material could have significant applications in biomedical implants, where biocompatibility is paramount. “The increased cellular proliferation indicates that the coating reduces the release of toxic ions from magnesium, making it a safer choice for medical applications,” Aboudzadeh noted.
As the construction industry increasingly seeks sustainable and efficient materials, the ability to utilize magnesium with enhanced protective coatings could lead to lighter, more efficient structures that require less energy to produce and maintain. This research not only paves the way for more innovative applications of magnesium in construction but also aligns with the industry’s goals of sustainability and performance enhancement.
The findings of this study, which could redefine the use of magnesium in both construction and biomedical fields, were published in the Journal of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. For more information on the research and its potential applications, you can visit the Materials and Metallurgy Engineering Faculty of Iran University of Science and Technology.