Abstract
Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising for various biomedical applications but their susceptibility to corrosion poses significant challenges. This study systematically examines the microstructural integrity and failure mechanisms of electrochemically deposited phosphate- and fluorine-rich coatings on AZ31 Mg alloy subjected to three-point bending (3 PB) in both non-corrosive and physiological (HBSS) environments. High-resolution digital image correlation (HR-DIC) combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) enables in situ visualization and quantitative analysis of crack initiation, evolution, and propagation within the coatings. Our findings reveal that thinner (5 µm) coatings are prone to forming dense networks of fine cracks, while thicker (15 µm) coatings display fewer but wider cracks, with both morphologies strongly governed by localized shear strain. Importantly, cross-sectional analyses after load-holding demonstrate that, while surface cracks initially remain confined within the coating, cracks generated under higher mechanical loading can propagate through the entire coating thickness. These through-thickness cracks create direct pathways for corrosive fluids to access the underlying alloy, serving as initiation sites for stress corrosion cracking within the substrate. Furthermore, our results indicate that fluoride in the coating mitigates rapid corrosion. Overall, the study reveals that coating failure and the formation of through-thickness cracks play a critical role in facilitating localized corrosion and crack initiation within the alloy under combined mechanical and corrosive environments. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10853-025-11243-4.