Corrosion behaviour of surgical implant materials: I. effects of sterilization

Abstract

This paper describes the effects of different sterilization procedures on the subsequent corrosion rates of four metals now used in the human body—type 316 and type 304 stainless steels, Ti and Vitallium (a Co Cr W Ni alloy). Corrosion rates in isotonic NaCl (0·9% aqueous solution) were determined using the passive current method. Steam and dry heat sterilization produce a marked decrease in the corrosion rates of stainless steels, with a lesser effect on titanium, and negligible effect on Vitallium. Increasing time or temperature of sterilization results in a decrease in the subsequent corrosion rate.