Processing, characterization and evaluation of corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys coated with biopolymer for biomedical application

• Grant number: 21/02381-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2022
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Célia Regina Tomachuk dos Santos Catuogno
• Grantee: Célia Regina Tomachuk dos Santos Catuogno
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Ana Paula Rosifini Alves ; Carlos Angelo Nunes ; Talita Martins Lacerda

Abstract

Researches with magnesium-based alloys for use in orthopedic implants are on the rise, as they are considered as potential biodegradable biomaterials, since they have exceptional biodegradability, good biocompatibility and Young's module closer to the cortical bone. Furthermore, high resistance and stiffness, after adequate processing. Bioabsorbable implants have the characteristic of remaining inside the body to correct the damage only for the necessary time for the human tissue to recover, being naturally degraded over time. In this context, this project will assess the corrosion resistance of two magnesium alloys with the addition of rare earths, with and without the application of a bioabsorbable natural polymeric coating. Corrosion studies to be carried out include polarized tests such as potentiodynamic polarization curves, Tafel extrapolation method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in a body fluid-simulating medium and, non-polarized tests to evaluate the material mass loss and the hydrogen evolution. The samples will be characterized in terms of morphology by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy; qualitative and semi-quantitative microanalysis by dispersive energy spectroscopy; microstructure by X-ray diffraction. Specific techniques for characterizing the polymeric film will also be employed, such as atomic force microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It is expected to understand the electrochemical behavior of the magnesium alloys and to evaluate whether the application of polymeric coating produced functional surfaces, reducing the corrosion rate in the studied medium. (AU)