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Abstract: The biocorrosion behavior of a magnesium alloy in two simulated body solutions, Hank''s solution and simulated blood plasma (SBP) solution was investigated by electrochemical and weight loss testing for biomedical application. The solution volume/surface area (SV/SA) ratio was changed to reveal the effect of immersion condition on the biocorrosion behavior. A same tendency was observed in the corrosion rate of magnesium alloy in all testing conditions: a high corrosion rate at the initial stage, and rapid decrease in the first 2–3 days followed by a stable corrosion rate in the following stage. A higher corrosion rate was observed in Hank''s solution than in SBP solution due to high Cl−, low Ca2+ and PO4 3− concentration in Hank''s solution. However, no difference in the surface reaction product was observed between the samples immersed in Hank''s solution and in SBP solution. It was found that the SV/SA ratio significantly affected the corrosion rate of magnesium alloy. Low ratio resulted in a high pH, which resisted the corrosion. But when the ratio was high enough, 6.7 for example, the influence was negligible. By changing the ratio, the biocorrosion behavior of magnesium implant in different implantation sites can be simulated, for example, low ratio for the case of in muscle and high ratio for the case of in marrow cavity. It is suggested that selection of the simulated solution and the SV/SA ratio would be very necessary to simulate different the in-vivo biodegradation behavior of magnesium in different implantation environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Both metallic Ag and Ag oxide exist in the coating. • A nano-sized Ag-rich layer exists at the substrate/coating interface. • PEO affects corrosion morphology and susceptibility of Mg-Ag alloy. • A sustained Ag+ release is achieved after PEO of Mg-Ag alloy. The application of biodegradable Mg alloys as implanted devices has been hindered by their low corrosion resistance and potential risk associated with microbial infection. In the present work, a rolled Mg-Ag alloy was studied, which was subjected to plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) to achieve a favoured balance between corrosion resistance and antimicrobial capability. The Ag distribution, corrosion resistance and Ag ionic release behaviour have been examined in details. It is revealed that PEO process leads to both incorporated Ag+ and Ag-rich nanoparticles in forms of metallic Ag and Ag oxide across the coating. In addition, a nano-sized Ag-enriched layer also exists at the substrate/coating interface. The microstructural modification associated with PEO process results in an increased corrosion resistance and a sustained Ag ionic release, indicating that it is a promising surface modification technique for antibacterial Mg-Ag alloy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]