A Simulation Study of Galvanic Corrosion Potential on the Surface of Implantable Biometallic Couples

Abstract

This paper focuses on the simulation of the galvanic corrosion process of orthopedic bimetallic couples used as biomaterials. Galvanic corrosion in the human body is a specific biocorrosion process that occurs due to the interaction of implanted metallic materials with different electrochemical properties. This biocorrosion process starts due to the electrochemical interaction in the electrolytic environment when different biometals are in contact, such as tibia-femur prosthesis or screw–plate couples. It progresses faster for biometals, leading to harmful damage to the human body due to the corrosion debris. Because of the released ions, enzymes, and hormones, body tissues have an electrolytic feature, making the environment very active regarding the corrosion potential. Therefore, biocorrosion is one of the main challenges, especially for bimetallic couples. Simulating this corrosion process sheds light on alternative biomaterial designs that can reduce or prevent the consequences of galvanic corrosion. In this study, galvanic corrosion potentials of implanted biometal couples having various electrochemical features are comparatively simulated using the electrochemical analysis module of a multiphysics simulation platform based on finite element method (FEM). With this regard, electric current density, and distribution between bimetallic couples, which are placed in two different electrolytic environments in the human body, are numerically simulated. It has been achieved that the more active implants result in more electric current density leading to the faster corrosion process. In the study, galvanic corrosion protection methods are proposed by a comparative analysis of corrosion risk and potential on the orthopedic aimed bimetallic couples.