Nickel Release Research Articles

Innovative Processes for a Low Impact in the Electroplating of Stainless Steel

Steel is a cheap renewable material with many interesting properties but its presence in the electroplating sector is very limited due to adhesion difficulties. Stainless steel contains approximately 10.5% chromium, which forms a surface oxide layer that passivates the steel, making it resistant to corrosion [1]. It is the presence of this surface oxide film that makes it difficult to electroplate steel. The aim of electroplating steel is to refine it by depositing nobler metals of the desired color, such as ruthenium and gold.The activation of steel involves the remotion of the oxide layer. The main method of electroplating stainless steel is generally through the deposition of nickel, but the intensive use of nickel baths makes these processes inappropriate for the sustainability paths taken by the electroplating industry. Even when nickel-based galvanizing processes are not used, it is possible that steel objects do not pass the nickel release test. This is because the steel itself contains nickel, so the removal of the surface oxide layer during the electroplating process may facilitate the release of nickel.The nickel release mechanism is not yet fully clear but bring to allergenic issues in the final product [2]. We performed a systematic study electroplating various metals and alloys on steel to evaluate which one performed better as barrier against the release of nickel and shed light on this issue.The steel substrate was characterized microscopically and spectroscopically before and after the release test. The amount of nickel was evaluated in the solution that simulates human sweat to evaluate its release in µm·cm-2·week-1 according to the standard EN 1811:2015.The authors acknowledge Regione Toscana POR CreO FESR 2014-2020 – azione 1.1.5 sub-azione a1 – Bando 1 “Progetti Strategici di ricerca e sviluppo” which made possible the projects “A.C.A.L. 4.0” (CUP 3553.04032020.158000165_1385), “A.M.P.E.R.E.” (CUP 3553.04032020.158000223_1538), “GIGA 4.0” (CUP 3553.04032020.158000105_1242) and “GoodGalv” (3647.04032020.157000060).

Nickel Release and the Viability of Streptococcus mutans Corresponding to Low Risk of Dental Caries in Artificial Saliva Containing Orthodontic Appliances: In Vitro Study.

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of different levels of Streptococcus mutans that correspond to a low risk of dental caries on nickel release and to determine the viability of S. mutans. Simulated fixed orthodontic appliances composed of copper nickel titanium, nickel titanium, or stainless steel were immersed in Klimek artificial saliva for 10 days with or without S. mutans inoculation on day 7. Same levels of S. mutans cultures (4 × 104 cfu/mL) were inoculated into the artificial saliva without orthodontic appliances. Nickel release was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The archwire surface was analyzed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The density of S. mutans significantly increased in the artificial saliva without orthodontic appliances (P < .05). Appliances with nickel titanium alloys showed higher nickel release in the artificial saliva with or without S. mutans than those with copper nickel titanium or stainless steel archwires (P < .05). However, S. mutans increased nickel release only in orthodontic appliances with stainless steel archwires (P < .05). Although atomic force microscopy showed that the surface of as-received stainless steel archwires was smoother than that of nickel titanium or nickel titanium archwires, S. mutans increased the surface roughness of only the SS archwires. S. mutans adhered to all archwire types. While corrosion or corrosion-related processes may have decreased the growth capacity of S. mutans, reciprocally, S. mutans influenced corrosion. Rough surfaces can also promote corrosion; therefore, the surface roughness of metal alloy orthodontic appliances should be evaluated to determine their corrosion behavior.

Kinetics of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) release from fulvic acid: Role of re-association reactions and quantitative models

Dissolved organic matter (DOM), a ubiquitous ligand for heavy metals, plays a crucial role in regulating the bioavailability and fate of heavy metals in the environment. However, owing to complex structure and heterogeneity of DOM, it is still challenging to develop kinetics models to predict the rates of heavy metal reactions with DOM. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of Cd, Ni, and Pb release from a typical fulvic acid (FA) under a wide range of experimental conditions using a competing ligand exchange (CLE) method. Among three metals, Cd showed the fastest release from FA while Ni and Pb had slower release rates. Reaction pH also had different impact on the release rates of the three metals, presumably attributed to different proton/metal exchange ratios for the metal ion complexation with FA. We formulated a kinetics model for Cd, Ni, and Pb release from FA by considering metal ions dissociation from FA, re-association of metal ions with FA, and metal ion uptake by the resin in the CLE experiments. The chemical speciation model WHAM 7 was used to predict the local equilibrium status that the kinetic reactions were away from, which help to derive the kinetic parameters based on the equilibrium parameters. For both Cd and Pb, model calculations were sensitive to the re-association rates, especially at high pH, while for Ni, the impact of the re-association rates was less significant. Based on the model parameters obtained in this study, our model simulations have also demonstrated that metal-FA complexes may undergo different rates of dissociation in the environment, affecting the dynamic speciation and transfer of metals to other biological processes. This work has provided a quantitative tool for predicting metal release from DOM, which would be useful for predicting the bioavailability and fate of heavy metals in the environment.

Metals release from stainless steel knives in simulated food contact

ABSTRACT The release of chromium, nickel, and manganese from knives stainless steel produced in Italy and People’s Republic of China was investigated with the aim to check their quality and compliance with Italian Ministerial Decree 21.03.73, which is the most detailed text for the hygiene regulation of packaging, containers, and tools intended for food contact. Temperature effect on metal release is investigated in 18 sets of knives. Tests are performed by simulating discontinuous contact using a 3% glacial acetic acid solution in distilled water at 50°C and 100°C. Chromium, nickel, and manganese quantification is performed by total reflection X-Ray fluorescence. Chemical composition highlights low sulphur content, and most of them belong to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 420 type A stainless steel group. Tests performed at 100°C revealed higher concentration of released metals. Only three knives tested at 100°C exceed the limit of 100 µg L−1.

Oxide Layer Formation, Corrosion, and Biocompatibility of Nitinol Cardiovascular Devices

Nitinol-based cardiovascular devices can undergo corrosion following placement in the body and the resulting corrosion events may have potential implications on the mechanical integrity and biocompatibility of the device. This review article summarizes the critical factors that influence the degree to which Nitinol devices are susceptible to in vitro and in vivo corrosion, the extent of nickel release from the device, and the potential adverse biological effects following nickel release from the device. In particular, local and uniform corrosion resistance of the device is related to the quality of the protective surface oxide layer that is established by heat treatments and common surface processing techniques during device fabrication. Further, Nitinol implants in the cardiovascular system may be subjected to mechanical loading (pre-strain, fatigue, and fretting) and interact with different metals that can impact the corrosion behavior of the material. Biological responses that may occur following nickel release from Nitinol devices, such as cytotoxicity, thrombus formation, local effects on vascular tissue, systemic effects, and hypersensitivity, are discussed in this review. In addition, the use of computational biokinetic models in the absence of experimentally derived data to estimate local and systemic nickel concentrations in the body is discussed.

Zng1 is a GTP-dependent zinc transferase needed for activation of methionine aminopeptidase.

The evolution of zinc (Zn) as a protein cofactor altered the functional landscape of biology, but dependency on Zn also created an Achilles' heel, necessitating adaptive mechanisms to ensure Zn availability to proteins. A debated strategy is whether metallochaperones exist to prioritize essential Zn-dependent proteins. Here, we present evidence for a conserved family of putative metal transferases in human and fungi, which interact with Zn-dependent methionine aminopeptidase type I (MetAP1/Map1p/Fma1). Deletion of the putative metal transferase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ZNG1; formerly YNR029c) leads to defective Map1p function and a Zn-deficiency growth defect. Invitro, Zng1p can transfer Zn2+ or Co2+ to apo-Map1p, but unlike characterized copper chaperones, transfer is dependent on GTP hydrolysis. Proteomics reveal mis-regulation of the Zap1p transcription factor regulon because of loss of ZNG1 and Map1p activity, suggesting that Zng1p is required to avoid a compounding effect of Map1p dysfunction on survival during Zn limitation.

An Unveiled Electrocatalysis Essence of NiCo Hydroxides through in Situ Raman Spectroscopy for Urea Oxidation

The theme of the cover artwork is the energy release of nickel and cobalt in the excited state, and corresponding Raman spectra. All characteristic spectra match their wavenumber, representing it in the excited state. The measurement of the spectrum line can be used to identify the valence state of substances. More details can be found in article number 2101010, Zucheng Wu and co-workers.

Nitinol Release of Nickel under Physiological Conditions: Effects of Surface Oxide, pH, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Sodium Hypochlorite.

Nitinol is a nickel-titanium alloy widely used in medical devices for its unique pseudoelastic and shape-memory properties. However, nitinol can release potentially hazardous amounts of nickel, depending on surface manufacturing yielding different oxide thicknesses and compositions. Furthermore, nitinol medical devices can be implanted throughout the body and exposed to extremes in pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS), but few tools exist for evaluating nickel release under such physiological conditions. Even in cardiovascular applications, where nitinol medical devices are relatively common and the blood environment is well understood, there is a lack of information on how local inflammatory conditions after implantation might affect nickel ion release. For this study, nickel release from nitinol wires of different finishes was measured in pH conditions and at ROS concentrations selected to encompass and exceed literature reports of extracellular pH and ROS. Results showed increased nickel release at levels of pH and ROS reported to be physiological, with decreasing pH and increasing concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and NaOCl/HOCl having the greatest effects. The results support the importance of considering the implantation site when designing studies to predict nickel release from nitinol and underscore the value of understanding the chemical milieu at the device-tissue interface.

Nickel and cobalt release from beauty tools: A field study in the German cosmetics trade.

Relevant nickel and cobalt release from hairdressing tools has recently been evidenced. Comparable data are not available for tools used in beauty salons. Screening of beauty tools for nickel and cobalt release. Three hundred eight beauty tools were tested in seven beauty salons located in two North-German states. A nickel spot test and a cobalt spot test were used to test the tools for nickel release and cobalt release, respectively. One hundred forty-three of 308 beauty tools overall (46.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.8%-52.2%) released nickel and 18 of 308 beauty tools overall (5.8%; 95%CI: 3.5%-9.1%) released cobalt. Nickel release was found in 22 of 99 metal tools (22.2%; 95%CI: 14.5%-31.7%) and 121 of 209 tools with metallic parts (57.9%; 95%CI: 50.9%-64.7%); cobalt release was detected in 3 of 99 metal tools (3.0%; 95%CI: 0.63%-8.6%) and 15 of 209 tools with metallic parts (7.2%; 95%CI: 4.1%-11.6%). Nickel and cobalt are emitted at allergologically relevant levels by a wide range of beauty tools (i.e., metal tools and tools with metallic parts) utilized in the German cosmetics trade. Beauty tools should thus be considered occupational sources of nickel and cobalt exposure.

Nickel release from metal tools in United States barbershops.

Hairdressers and barbers are among the top occupations to develop occupationally related nickel allergy. While nickel release has previously been detected in metal items in the hairdressing trade, metal items in the barber trade have not been specifically tested. This study screened for nickel release from metal tools in United States barber trade. One hundred ninety-two metal tools from 12 barbershops in St. Paul, Minnesota, were tested with dimethylglyoxime test. An employee survey was conducted about each metal tool. Nickel release was detected in 10 of 192 metal tools (5.2%). Items with nickel release included one of 57 scissors (1.7%), one of 32 trimmers (3.1%), four of 13 barbershop chairs (30.8%), three of six cape clips, and one of one nail clippers. Nickel release was detected in items unique to the barber trade. These items should be considered when preventing and assessing occupational nickel allergy in barbers.

Ion Release and Surface Changes of Nickel-Titanium Archwires Induced by Changes in the pH Value of the Saliva-Significance for Human Health Risk Assessment.

The aim of this study was to explore whether changes in the salivary pH influence mechanical properties, surface roughness, and ion release from NiTi archwires with various surface coatings, and discuss the clinical significance of the findings. The uncoated, rhodium-coated, and nitrified NiTi wires were immersed into artificial saliva of different pH values (4.8, 5.1, 5.5, and 6.6). Released nickel and titanium ions were measured with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy at the end of 28 days. Atomic force microscopy was used to measure the arithmetic average surface roughness Ra, the root-mean-square roughness Rq, and the maximum height of the asperities RZ. The nanoindentation hardness (HIT) and Young’s modulus (EIT) measurements were performed. The change in the pH of artificial saliva is inversely proportional to the release of titanium from both coated and uncoated wires, and the release of nickel from uncoated wires. The surface roughness parameters of both coated and uncoated wires are unaffected by the change in the pH of artificial saliva. The change in the pH of saliva has minor influence on the hardness and Young’s modulus of elasticity of both coated and uncoated wires. The concentration of released metal ions measured was below the recommended upper limit for daily intake; nevertheless, hypersensitivity effects cannot be excluded, even at lower concentrations and at low pH.

Transformation behaviors of vanadium and nickel during petroleum coke and coal co-gasification

The transformation behaviors of vanadium and nickel during petroleum coke co-gasification with coal may cause ash-related fouling, slagging, and corrosion problems. In this work, we investigated the evolution of occurrence modes, volatilization behaviors, and speciation of vanadium and nickel in the process of steam co-gasification of petroleum coke and coal over the temperature range of 1100–1500 °C. The results showed that the main chemical states of vanadium and nickel in raw petroleum coke were organic matter and “stable forms”, of which vanadium and nickel associated with organic matter were thoroughly converted into other chemical states. The volatilities of vanadium and nickel in petroleum coke increased slightly from 1100 °C to 1500 °C, however the addition of coal inhibited their volatilization behaviors. Moreover, residence time had little effect on the release of vanadium and nickel. The crystalline phases of vanadium-bearing species, i.e., vanadium trioxide and coulsonite, as well as those of nickel-bearing species, i.e., nickel sulfide and elemental nickel, were formed in high-temperature ash. In addition, the diffraction peaks corresponding to another vanadium species, calcium orthovanadate, were found in the high-temperature ash of SX40%/HB60% with a coal content of 60 wt.%.

Sorption and Release of Nickel and Zinc Using a Mixed-Algae Community Collected from a Mine Drainage Passive Treatment System

AbstractMine water from upwellings in Commerce, Oklahoma is treated by the Mayer Ranch Passive Treatment System (MRPTS) to remove contaminants. Nickel [Ni(II)] and zinc [Zn(II)], which are toxic to...

Geochemical conditions influence vanadium, nickel, and molybdenum release from oil sands fluid petroleum coke

Petroleum coke is a potential source of vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), and molybdenum (Mo) to water resources in Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) of northern Alberta, Canada. Large stockpiles of this bitumen upgrading byproduct will be incorporated into mine closure landscapes and understanding the processes and conditions controlling the release and transport of these transition metals is critical for effective reclamation. We performed a series of laboratory column experiments to quantify V, Ni, and Mo release from fluid petroleum coke receiving meteoric water (MW), oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), and acid rock drainage (ARD) influents. We found that influent water chemistry strongly influences metal release, with variations among metals largely attributed to pH-dependent aqueous speciation and surface reactions. Cumulative V, Ni, and Mo mass release was greatest for columns receiving the low-pH ARD influent. Additionally, cumulative V and Mo mass release were greater in columns receiving OSPW compared to MW influent, whereas cumulative Ni mass release was greater in columns receiving MW compared to OSPW influent. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of total V, Ni, and Mo was released during the experiments, with the majority occurring during the first 10 pore volumes (PVs). This study offers insight into geochemical controls on V, Ni, and Mo release from fluid petroleum coke that supports ongoing development of oil sands mine reclamation strategies for landscapes that contain petroleum coke.

Nickels and tines: the myth of nickel allergy in intracranial stents

BackgroundMost intracranial stents contain nickel alloy, and nickel allergy or hypersensitivity is common. Neurological injury following endovascular treatment with a nickel containing intracranial stent has been reported in patients with...

Nickel and cobalt: Underestimated contact allergens in hairdressers?

Introduction: Nickel and cobalt were not regarded as pertinent contact allergens in the hairdressing trade for the last decades. It was even stated that the relevance of nickel allergy in the hairdressing trade has been overestimated for several years. Recently, nickel and cobalt release from a multitude of metal tools in the German hairdressing trade was documented in two field studies. Methods: Review of two field studies. Results: In 2019, nickel release from 9.2% of 229 tested metallic hairdressing tools was evidenced, and in 2021, nickel release from 27.6% as well as cobalt release from 2.1% of 475 tested tools was detected in overall 30 North German hairdressing salons. Tweezers, sectioning clips, hair clips, and straight razors were identified as nickel as well as cobalt releasing tools. Crochet hooks and tail combs were identified as only nickel releasing tools. Discussion: A variety of metallic tools – which are used daily by hairdressers – release nickel and/or cobalt in allergologically relevant amounts. This circumstance has to be considered problematic with regard to the development of work-related allergic contact dermatitis. Thus, nickel and cobalt should possibly receive greater attention as potential contact allergens in the hairdressing trade. Conclusion: The proven nickel and cobalt release from metallic hairdressing tools might entail legal ramifications in terms of insurance law. In case of nickel and cobalt allergies within the occupational group of hairdressers, metal tools might be considered as feasible sources for nickel and cobalt exposure.

Impact of Fluoride Mouthwash on Nickel ion Release from Orthodontic Brackets: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: In Orthodontic patients, the orthodontic brackets and wires are exposed to the oral fluids for a considerable period of time. Patients use fluoridated mouthwashes to maintain oral hygiene and avoid white spot lesions on their teeth, which can cause release of nickel and chromium from the orthodontic brackets and thus may lead to allergic reactions and cytotoxicity. Aim: To evaluate the amount of nickel ion release from orthodontic brackets on exposure to different fluoride mouthwash. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro experimental study was conducted on seventy-five Orthodontic brackets which were divided into three groups of 25 each and immersed in artificial saliva (group A), Amflor mouthwash (group B) and Zero sense (group C) mouthwash respectively in separate beakers. The temperatures of the solutions in the beakers were maintained at 37 degrees to simulate oral temperatures. The 5 mL of the solutions were drawn from the three breakers at 1 hour, 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours respectively and the Nickel ion release from each solution was measured using Optima 5300 Dual View (DV) Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with a post hoc test was performed for comparison between the groups and at different time intervals. Results: The highest mean value of nickel release was noted in group C (0.32±0.020156 μg/mL) at the 24 hrs peak time followed by group B (0.24±0.014338 μg/mL). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the two experimental groups at all time periods except 1 hour (p-value &lt;0.05). Conclusion: The amount of nickel ion release did not exceed the permissible limit in any of the study groups. However, it can be inferred that Amflor mouthwash can be prefered over Zero sense mouthwash for Orthodontic patients considering the lower nickel ion release.

Comparison of nickel and chromium ion release using four different commercially available mouthwashes on orthodontic brackets and wires: An In vitro study

Comparison of nickel and chromium ion release using four different commercially available mouthwashes on orthodontic brackets and wires: An In vitro study

Nickel release from metal items in contact with skin: a comparison of methods and practical implications for regulation in Europe

Contact allergy to Nickel is the most prevalent contact allergy in western societies. This has led to regulation for metallic items that come into prolonged and direct contact with the skin, such as buttons on clothing, belt buckles, jewelry and watches. In Europe, the legal provision is based on a test in which there is a limit to the amount of nickel that may be released from the item to an artificial sweat solution (EN 1811). This test is costly and has reproducibility issues. The resulting undertesting of items placed on the market, leads to many nickel releasing non-compliant articles being available in spite of the regulations that are in place. In this study, the performance of the standard release test is compared to the performance of a rapid nickel spot test based on dimethylglyoxime (DMG-test). The data suggest that using the rapid DMG-test for compliance testing is sufficiently equivalent to the current gold standard of EN 1811. Previously published comparisons between the DMG-test and EN 1811 did not consider the effect of accelerated wear and corrosion testing according to EN 12472. This study shows that by applying EN 12472, the number of deviating results between the DMG-test and EN 1811 decreases significantly. Regarding consumer protection, it is necessary for wear and corrosion resistance to be considered.

Comparison of nickle release and cytocompatibility between porous and dense NiTi alloy

The porous NiTi (pNiTi) samples were produced by sintering evaporation using Ti−50.8Ni (at.%) gas-atomized powders. The samples were analyzed by metallographic microscope and X-ray dispersive spectroscopy (XRD). A comparison of nickel (Ni) release and cytocompatibility between pNiTi and dense NiTi (dNiTi) was made. The results showed that the pNiTi has good mechanical properties. Ni releases from pNiTiin vitro and in vivoaremore serious than those formdNiTi. The proliferation and differentiation of cells cultured with the pNiTi extracting liquidare significantly worse, and the rate of early apoptosis is higher. In conclusion, pNiTi is mechanically similar to bone, but pNiTi releases more Ni and interferes with cell proliferation and differentiation. A significantly cautious approach should be adopted when using it as a medical implant.