SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 2003
STP11158S

Comparison of Anodic Polarization and Galvanic Corrosion of a Low-Nickel Stainless Steel to 316LS and 22Cr-13Ni-5Mn Stainless Steels

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Over the years, numerous biomedical implants have been produced from austenitic stainless steels due to their exceptional mechanical and corrosion properties. High nickel content has been used to stabilize the austenitic microstructure, but the presence of these nickel concentrations has been implicated as a cause of metal sensitivity reactions in a minor portion of the population. In a partial response to the possibility of hypersensitivity reactions, low-nickel stainless steels with a high nitrogen content to stabilize the austenitic microstructure have been developed. In this study, the anodic polarization and galvanic corrosion behavior of one such low-nickel alloy (BioDur® 108 Carpenter Technology) was compared to BioDur® 316LS and BioDur® 22Cr-13Ni-5Mn. For anodic polarization, duplicate samples with a surface ground to 600 grit and duplicate samples with a metallographic polish were tested in accordance with ASTM G5 at a sweep rate of 0.6 V/hr, initiated 200 mV below the rest potential. Samples for galvanic testing were metallographically polished, the rest potentials were recorded prior to test initiation, and duplicate coupled tests were run for a period of 48 hours for each alloy combination. The galvanic current and couple potential were recorded in accordance with ASTM G71. Anodic polarization results revealed BioDur® 108 to have a pitting potential similar to BioDur® 22Cr-13Ni-5Mn and significantly higher than that of BioDur® 316LS. In addition, substantially higher pitting levels on BioDur® 316LS were also noted during post-anodic metallographic examination. None of the alloy combinations revealed substantial galvanic coupled currents indicating little susceptibility to galvanic corrosion. No evidence of pitting or crevice corrosion was found on any of the galvanically coupled surfaces.

Author Information

Zardiackas, LD
University of Mississippi Medical Center, SOD / Biomaterials, Jackson, MS
Williamson, S
University of Mississippi Medical Center, SOD / Biomaterials, Jackson, MS
Roach, M
University of Mississippi Medical Center, SOD / Biomaterials, Jackson, MS
Bogan, JA
University of Mississippi Medical Center, SOD / Biomaterials, Jackson, MS
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Developed by Committee: F04
Pages: 107–118
DOI: 10.1520/STP11158S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5483-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-3459-1