Polarization behavior of pure magnesium under a controlled flow in a NaCl solution

Magnesium and its alloys are potential candidates for bioabsorbable stents. The degradation rate of an indwelled magnesium stent is expected to be controlled under a blood flow. The influence of the controlled flow on the polarization and impedance behavior of pure Mg was thus investigated in a 0.6 mass% NaCl solution using a rotating electrode. The existence of a flow caused an increase in the anodic current density as well as a decrease in the impedance for a few hours of immersion, indicating the acceleration of Mg dissolution and the retardation of the growth of the surface hydroxide film. Interestingly, the existence of a flow retarded the breakdown of the surface film. After the surface film was broken down, the impedance did not depend on the rotation speed. To precisely evaluate the degradation rate of magnesium and its alloys for use in stents, the flow rate of the test solution should be controlled.