Microarc oxidation (MAO) coating was prepared on the
surface of the biomedical Mg–3Zn–0.2Ca alloy in a phosphate
electrolyte with varying concentrations of Na2SiO3. The morphology, cross section, chemical composition, and corrosion
resistance of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron
microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray
diffraction (XRD), electrochemical polarization tests (EI), and in
vitro immersion experiments. The addition of Na2SiO3 is performed to increase the thickness and compactness of
the coating. When the Si/P atomic ratio is approximately equal to
1 (1.5 g/L Na2SiO3), the best corrosion resistance
is achieved, while excessive addition may lead to coating defects
such as voids and microcracks, resulting in decreased corrosion resistance.
The competitive relationship between PO43– and SiO32– anions in the silicon–phosphorus
microarc oxidation-mixed electrolyte is discussed. In this study,
it was first proposed that, when Mg2SiO4 and
Mg3 (PO4)2 phase contents were approximately
the same, the synergistic improvement effect on coating corrosion
resistance was the most effective.