Challenges and opportunities in electrochemically coating calcium phosphate on magnesium alloys for biodegradable implant applications

Magnesium alloys are attractive for use as biodegradable materials for temporary implant applications. However, the high localized degradation of magnesium alloys in physiological conditions is a major concern, which can affect the mechanical integrity of the implant during service. Calcium phosphate (CaP) coating is a suitable method to delay the initiation of localized attack in magnesium alloys. This paper will discuss the challenges and opportunities in electrochemically coating CaP on magnesium and its magnesium alloys for biodegradable implant applications