The Role of Microparticles of β-TCP and Wollastonite in the Creation of Biocoatings on Mg0.8Ca Alloy

The introduction of particles into the composition of coatings can significantly expand the range of properties and possibilities of the modified materials. In this work, the coatings containing microparticles of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and wollastonite separately and in combination with each other were created on the surface of an Mg0.8Ca alloy. The morphology and microstructure of the coatings were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Their phase composition was determined with the help of X-ray diffraction analysis. The coating-to-substrate adhesion evaluation was carried out via the scratch-test method. Potentiodynamic polarization curves of the coatings were obtained during their immersion in 0.9% NaCl solution and their electrochemical properties were determined. Cytotoxic properties of the coatings were investigated by means of the MTT assay and flow cytometry in the course of the biological studies. In addition, NIH/3T3 cell morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The structure, morphology, physical and mechanical, corrosive, and biological properties of the coatings depended on the type of particles they contained. Whereas the coating with β-TCP microparticles had higher adhesive properties, the coatings with wollastonite microparticles, as well as the combined coating, were less soluble and more biocompatible. In addition, the wollastonite-containing coating had the highest corrosion resistance