SEDL / STP / STP953-EB / STP25227S

Characterization of the Corrosion Behavior of Porous Biomaterials by A-C Impedance Techniques

Bundy, KJ
Associate professor and graduate student, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Luedemann, RE
Associate professor and graduate student, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Pages: 14    Published: Jan 1987

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Abstract

In this research, the corrosion behavior of Ti-6Al-4V extralow interstitial (ELI) and Co-Cr-Mo alloys with polished, grit-blasted, and porous-coated surfaces has been investigated. The A–C impedance technique and a variety of D–C methods were used for this purpose. Both highly stressed and nonstressed specimens were tested. Stress-enhanced release of corrosion products was demonstrated to occur in some cases. The A–C impedance method, which is capable of measuring both corrosion current and true surface area, showed that this effect was mainly due to an area increase caused by plastic deformation. The advantages and characteristics of the A–C impedance method for corrosion measurements of implant materials are also described.