Corrosion protection of Mg‐Zn‐Y‐Nd alloy by flower‐like nanostructured <scp>TiO₂</scp> film for vascular stent application

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND The high in vivo corrosion rate of magnesium alloy vascular stents is a primary problem. Smooth TiO 2 film has excellent antithrombotic properties and could improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy stents. Research into special nanostructured TiO 2 film, which may provide improved biocompatibility and act as a drug carrier, has seldom been reported in vascular stent applications . RESULTS Flower‐like nanostructured TiO 2 film was prepared on Mg‐Zn‐Y‐Nd alloy substrate by an improved solvothermal method. Aqueous NH 4 F solution and hydrofluoric acid were added to ethanol solvent to adjust the hydrolysis rate of titanium butoxide, and thus the TiO 2 nanostructure size. This reaction system was suitable for magnesium alloy due to its non‐corrosive characteristic. Under properly chosen hydrolysis conditions, compact TiO 2 film consisting of continuous flower‐like nanostructures was obtained on substrate, with single sheet thickness of 50–100 nm. The charge transfer resistance of Mg‐Zn‐Y‐Nd alloy in simulated body fluids was increased about 40 times by the nanostructured TiO 2 film . CONCLUSIONS Through a solvothermal synthesis process, nanostructured TiO 2 film can be prepared on the surface of Mg‐Zn‐Y‐Nd alloy. Corrosion resistance of Mg‐Zn‐Y‐Nd alloy in simulated body fluids can be improved by protection with the TiO 2 film. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry