Corrosion Analysis of Mg/Al2O3 Bio-Degradable Nanolaminate Thin-Films Fabricated Using DC/Pulsed DC Magnetron-Sputtering Technique

Abstract

Multilayered Thin films are effective in controlling the rate of corrosion of magnesium alloys used for bio-implants applications. It’s been proven that corrosion of metallic implants can be delayed by depositing multilayered metal-oxide thin films. In this study, Mg/Al2O3 nanolaminates, along with different metal oxides, were deposited using DC and pulsed DC magnetron sputtering methods at room temperature on glass substrates. Applicability of these metal-oxide nanolaminates to corrosion control was studied by bulk volumetric degradation measurement technique using solutions such as Saline, HANKS and PBS. Mg/Al2O3 films were also studied under different flow conditions by varying flow rates and pore growth rate and degradation process are measured by time-lapsed technique on optical microscope. Effect of the oxide layer thickness, saline flow rate, total pressure, structural characteristics of oxide coatings and sputtering deposition parameters on pore density and corrosion rate was investigated. Pulsed DC magnetron sputtering enables preparation of thin films with control over pore growth and distribution. Results have shown that repeatable pore density and corrosion rate can be achieved through magnetron sputter-deposited Mg/Al2O3 nanolaminates.