Effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain ZK Biofilm on the Mechanical and Corrosion Behavior of 316L Stainless Steel and α-brass

Abstract

This research work aims to investigate the effect of the aerobic bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the 316L stainless steel and α-brass. These properties of both the alloys were determined after 7 days of exposure to the controlled and inoculated media at 37°C. The microstructural and electrochemical test results revealed the deleterious effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After exposure to the inoculated medium, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed the larger pitting and formation of relatively dense biofilm on α-brass compared to 316L stainless steel. The tensile strength and hardness of 316L stainless steel were slightly affected after exposure to the controlled and inoculated media. After exposure to the controlled medium and inoculated media, the tensile strength of the α-brass was least affected but a significant decrease in the hardness (from 165 HV to 124 HV) was observed due to the severe attack induced by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Similarly, the open-circuit potential of the 316L stainless steel in the inoculated medium was measured to be less active (−410 mV vs Ag/AgCl) than α-brass (−550 mV vs Ag/AgCl). In the inoculated medium, potentiodynamic polarization curves confirmed the severe attack of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on α-brass (7.15 × 10−2 mm/year) compared to 316L stainless steel which registered a corrosion rate of 5.14 × 10−4 mm/year.