Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4/poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) composite and its coating effects on magnesium alloy

The Fe3O4/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) composites were prepared via a surface grafting technique. Initially, the poly(lactic acid) oligomer was synthesized and surface-grafted to Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Then, the grafted Fe3O4 particles were compounded with PLGA matrix by a simple solution blending method. The grafted Fe3O4 particles presented enhanced compatibility with PLGA matrix and the composites indicated enhanced dynamic mechanical performance. Electrochemical tests showed that the Fe3O4/PLGA composite coating can help improve the impedance of magnesium samples by 100-300%, and the impedance of the metal may be tunable by altering the components ratio of LA/GA within PLGA matrix. The composites may have potential application for magnesium alloy used in degradable medical implants. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1369-1374, 2016. (c) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers