Magnesium and its alloys are attractive temporary implants due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Moreover, Mg has good mechanical and osteoinductive properties. But magnesium and Mg alloys have one significant disadvantage: poor corrosion resistance in a physiological environment. Hence, a deposition of various layers on the surface of Mg alloys seems to be a good idea. The purpose of the article is to analyze the structure and morphology of two MgCa2Zn1 and MgCa2Zn1Gd3 alloys coated by SnO₂ ALD (atomic layer deposition) films of various thickness. The studies were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and an X-ray diffractometer. The corrosion activity of the thin films and substrate alloys in a chloride-rich Ringer’s solution at 37 °C was also observed. The corrosion tests that include electrochemical, immersion measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were evaluated. The results indicated that SnO₂ had a heterogeneous crystal structure. The surfaces of the thin films were rough with visible pores. The corrosion resistance of SnO₂ measured in all corrosion tests was higher for the thicker films. The observations of corrosion products after immersion tests indicated that they were lamellar-shaped and mainly contained Mg, O, Ca, and Cl in a lower concentration.

The effect of iron and yttrium additions on glass forming ability and corrosion resistance of Al₈₈Y_8-xFe_4+x (x = 0, 1, 2 at.%) alloys in the form of ingots and melt-spun ribbons was investigated. The crystalline multiphase structure of ingots and amorphous-crystalline structure of ribbons were examined by a number of analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. It was confirmed that the higher Fe additions contributed to formation of amorphous structures. The impact of chemical composition and structure of alloys on their corrosion resistance was characterized by electrochemical tests in 3.5% NaCl solution at 25 °C. The identification of the mechanism of chemical reactions taking place during polarization test along with the morphology and internal structure of the surface oxide films generated was performed. It was revealed that the best corrosion resistance was achieved for the Al₈₈Y₇Fe₅ alloy in the form of ribbon, which exhibited the lowest corrosion current density (j_corr = 0.09 μA/cm²) and the highest polarization resistance (R_p = 96.7 kΩ∙cm²).

The article describes biomaterials and surgical instruments, in particular surgical cutting tools. In addition, the functions of coatings and the layer vapor deposition methods are described. In the experimental component of the study, zinc oxide thin film was deposited on the surgical knife blades by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method with a varying number of cycles. The structures of the deposited thin films were investigated using a Raman spectrometer and the surface topography of the samples was examined using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The adhesion of the thin films was tested using the micro-scratch method. The corrosion resistance was also tested. Surgical instruments coated with non-allergenic metal oxide coatings, containing metal structures that reduce the growth of bacteria, could significantly decrease the risk of undesirable reactions of the body during and after surgery.