Synthesis and characterization of Ca–Sr–P coating on pure magnesium for biomedical application

There are growing evidences that Sr-containing calcium phosphate biomaterials can promote better osteo-precursor cell attachment and proliferation than pure calcium phosphate biomaterials. In this study, attempts were made to fabricate two kinds of Sr-substituted calcium phosphate (Ca–Sr–P) coatings on pure magnesium in electrolyte solutions with differing amounts of Sr(NO3)2 for biomedical application. The surface microstructure, composition and chemistry of the coatings were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), respectively. In addition, electrochemical and immersion tests were performed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the Ca–Sr–P coated magnesium in phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS).