The Use of Sulfur Waste to Protect Against Corrosion of Metal Implants

Abstract

Metal parts of endoprosthesis have a detrimental effect on the bones that come into contact with them and on the entire body of the patient. Coating them with biocompatible layers (hydroxyapatite and bioglass) has not yet brought about permanent results. In this study, the author showed the possibility of using a binder containing sulfur waste for this purpose. The sulfur binder is used industrially in electrical engineering and construction applications. The chemical properties of elemental sulfur indicate that it is a biocompatible material. Previous studies on rats have shown that sulfur binder is a biocompatible material. A steel surgical nail covered with sulfur waste, placed in a sheep's femur, showed excellent stabilization by adhering bone tissue to the composite layer. From the results, it is convinced that the composite made of sulfur waste creates new possibilities in the field of production of biocomposites for surgical applications. The prepared biocomposite composition was sulfur waste-69.5%, mineral quartz dust-30%, and technical soot-0.5%. There is no information on similar studies in the world literature. So far, sulfur waste has been used in the electrical and construction industries. The literature shows that no researcher has used sulfur waste in biocomposites. So, the current study is a pioneering experimental study in this area.