Surface Modification of Diatomite-Based Micro-Arc Coatings for Magnesium Implants Using a Low-Energy High-Current Electron Beam Processing Technique

Abstract

The present study showcases a novel effective technique for the surface modification of micro-arc diatomite coatings using low-energy, high-current electron beams (LEHCEBs). A variety of methods such as scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, the X-ray diffraction method, scratch testing, the potentiodynamic polarization method, immersion testing in SBF, and flow cytometry have been used to study the coatings. During processing, the electron beams’ energy density ranged between 2.5–7.5 J/cm2. After the LEHCEB treatment, the surface morphology of the coatings changed completely. The corrosion resistance of the LEHCEB-treated coated samples increased significantly, as evidenced by the decrease in corrosion current to 4.6 × 10−10 A·cm−2 and the increase in polarization resistance to 1.4 × 108 Ω·cm2. The electron beam treatment also increased the adhesion strength of the coatings to the magnesium substrate by 1.8–2.5 times compared to untreated coatings. Additionally, biological studies have shown the high viability of the NIH/3T3 cell line after contact with the samples of the coating extracts.