Use of SECM to compare corrosion resistance of DIN W. Nr. 1·4460 high N and AISI 316L austenitic stainless steels in physiological solutions

Abstract

The pitting corrosion resistance of DIN W. Nr. 1·4460 stainless steel (SS) with high amounts of nitrogen (0·87%) was evaluated to be used for medical implants. The SS pitting corrosion resistance was tested in a minimum essential medium at 37°C by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarisation curves and in a 0·1 mol L⁻¹ NaCl solution at 25°C, by scanning electrochemical microscopy. This last technique measures the concentration of chemical species released by corrosion processes. The potential of an ultramicroelectrode was set to amperometrically detect the Fe²⁺ ions released at the anodic areas and also the depletion of oxygen due to the cathodic reactions in the vicinity of the cathodic areas. The AISI 316L stainless steel was also tested for comparison reasons. The results showed that the DIN W. Nr. 1·4460 with 0·87% nitrogen presents higher pitting corrosion resistance than the AISI 316L SS, being a potential candidate for biomaterial applications.