Enhanced corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy via surface transfer of microwave-synthesized, non-toxic, and ultra-smooth nitrogen-doped amorphous carbon thin film

Rai, Adarsh and Szczerba, Mateusz and Karbowniczek, Joanna and Cichocki, Kamil and Krzyzanowski, Michal and Bajda, Szymon and Sulka, Grzegorz D. and Szuwarzyński, Michał and Sokołowski, Krystian and Wiese, Björn (2025) Enhanced corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy via surface transfer of microwave-synthesized, non-toxic, and ultra-smooth nitrogen-doped amorphous carbon thin film. Applied Surface Science, 695. p. 162847. ISSN 0169-4332

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Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are increasingly recognized as a promising material for the next generation of implants due to their biocompatibility, favorable mechanical strength, and ability to biodegrade effectively in physiological environments. However, their clinical utility is hindered by rapid corrosion. This study introduces and investigates the application of an ultrathin, ultrasmooth, and corrosion-resistant nitrogen-doped amorphous carbon (a-C:N) thin film on a magnesium alloy (Mg-0.5Zn-0.2Ca) for the first time. The a-C:N film was synthesized using a polymer composite based on branched polyethyleneimine and subsequently applied to the magnesium alloy surface to enhance its corrosion resistance. Comprehensive characterization using advanced techniques confirmed the amorphous nature of the synthesized film, revealing the presence of sp2-C, sp3-C, and C-N bonds. AFM analyses and electrochemical corrosion tests demonstrated that the synthesized a-C:N film exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and reduces the corrosion rate of the substrate. Additionally, cytotoxicity tests indicated that the film is non-toxic and compatible for orthopedic implant applications, thereby expanding the potential clinical use of Mg-based implants. Carbon, being a biocompatible and inert nonmetallic element, makes it a suitable choice for enhancing the biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of Mg-based implants.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.162847
Dates:	Date Event 28 February 2025 Accepted 1 March 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Amorphous carbon thin film, Film transfer, Magnesium alloy, Corrosion resistance, Cytotoxicity
Subjects:	CAH10 - engineering and technology > CAH10-01 - engineering > CAH10-01-02 - mechanical engineering
Divisions:	Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment > College of Engineering
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	20 Mar 2025 15:15
Last Modified:	20 Mar 2025 15:15
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16242

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