On the role of surface roughness in the corrosion of pure magnesium in vitro

Abstract

The relationship between surface roughness and degradation behavior in magnesium (Mg) biomaterials is still a controversial issue. This study aims to clarify the relationship between surface roughness and corrosion rate of pure Mg. Pure Mg samples with surface roughness values (Ra) of 0.59, 2.68, and 9.12 μm were cast using an indirect solid-free form fabrication method. The in vitro corrosion behavior was evaluated using hydrogen evolution, mass loss, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was confirmed that surface roughness had a significant influence on the corrosion rate of pure Mg, with increasing roughness resulting in an accelerated corrosion rate. However, pitting corrosion was not observed, suggesting that surface roughness does not affect the pitting potential of Mg.