Evaluation of Surface Characteristics and Physical Properties on Biodegradable Magnesium-Calcium Alloys by Anodic Oxidation

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of calcium (Ca) on the surface characteristics and physical properties of magnesium-calcium alloys after anodization. A novel binary alloy Mg-xCa (in which x=0.5, 1, or 5 wt.%) was cast by combining magnesium (99.9%) and calcium (99.9%) in an argon gas (99.99%) atmosphere. A magnesium alloy rod having a diameter of 15 mm was cut into discs, each 2 mm thick. The specimens were subjected to anodic oxidation at 120 V for 15 minutes at room temperature in an electrolyte solution consisting of calcium gluconate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium hydroxide. Surface and cross-sectional morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the microstructures and phases were detected by means of X-ray diffraction. Hardness and surface roughness were assessed by means of a Vickers hardness tester and a surface roughness meter, respectively. The results show that the physical properties of these magnesium-calcium alloys have been improved, because it was possible to control the dissolution rate according to the amount of calcium added.