A simple strategy to modify the porous structure of plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings on magnesium

A simple strategy to modify the porous structure of the oxide coating formed on Mg by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is addressed. Post-treatment of PEO coated Mg using 3 M NaOH at 60 °C for 1 h modifies its porous structure, helps to seal the smaller pores and decrease the size of the medium and bigger sized pores, increases the surface roughness but provides a better homogeneity of the surface, changes its chemical nature, improves its corrosion resistance in Hank's balanced salt solution, facilitates apatite growth in simulated body fluids and promotes cell viability and growth in cell culture media.