Time-dependent electrochemical characterization of the corrosion of a magnesium rare-earth alloy in simulated body fluids.

The electrochemistry of the corrosion process of a magnesium rare-earth-alloy is studied in detail in simulated body fluid (m-SBF) over the first 5 days. The aim is to investigate the corrosion mechanism under in vitro conditions. For this purpose we also used electrolytes that contain only some of the components of SBF, they were compared to SBF to investigate the influence of the different ions in SBF. The influence of albumin on the corrosion process was studied with a solution containing m-SBF and albumin in physiological concentration. For this study, impedance spectroscopy series measurements were performed. Additional results were gained from polarization curves. We conclude from the study that the corrosion resistance is significantly lower in m-SBF than in simple isotonic NaCl-solution. Albumin may form a blocking layer on the surface in the first hours of exposure. The formed corrosion layers consisting of amorphous apatite have only a low protective ability. Further results show that the corrosion processes in SBFs follow a linear time-law. The results elucidate critical factors and mechanisms of the electrochemical corrosion process of magnesium rare-earth alloys in SBFs, this understanding is crucial for a successful application of Mg alloys in biomedical applications. Copyright 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.