The press office of Togliatti University reported that scientists have obtained a smart coating that can be used in the aviation, automotive engineering and medical industries, in particular, to slow the rate of implant melting.
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According to the office's statement, scientists achieved a biocompatible coating on the surface of biosoluble medical-grade magnesium and slowed the rate of implant dissolution threefold, thanks to the use of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technology. This could be essential if thin structures are used for bone resorption.
In addition to medicine, magnesium alloys can be used in the rocket, aerospace, aviation, and automotive industries. They are also used in the production of drones and small engine components for domestic consumption.
Scientists point out that during the PEO coating process, the oxide layer grows both inwards and outwards, forming a porous ceramic matrix into which various materials (nanoparticles and organic compounds) can be introduced during and after the PEO coating. Furthermore, these materials can be added to the electrolyte used in the PEO coating process (a hybrid technique). The ceramic layer, once formed as a matrix, can also be further processed to enhance existing properties or add new, desirable characteristics (a combined technique).
According to the project manager, Mikhail Kreshtal, using hybrid and integrated technologies based on PEO, it is possible to create a "coating" on the product surface that has the required properties, including durability, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility.
He says: “Most importantly, we can control these properties by changing them in different parts of the product. During operation, the formed layers will reveal the properties embedded in them precisely when needed and at the right time. These ‘coatings’ can be classified as multifunctional and adaptive, i.e., within the category of smart-coating
