0000000000114051
AUTHOR
Sannakaisa Virtanen
Relationships between strain, microstructure and oxide growth at the nano- and microscale
In the present article, the relationships between oxidation processes, surface strains and the microstructure of duplex stainless steels were investigated. Specimens were oxidized at 500 °C under secondary vacuum for 1 h to form a thin oxide film (thickness in the range of 20-50 nm). Such specimens were considered as the model system for developing novel methods of analysis in understanding the behavior of passive films. The interfacial strain field after oxidation was measured experimentally at the microscale using the point grid method. On the other hand, the chemical composition of the oxide film was determined at the submicroscopic scale by means of local scanning Auger spectroscopy (wi…
Effect of E. coli biofilm formation and removal on passive films on AISI 316L during fermentation processes
Abstract 316L coupons were sanitized in hot water vapour inducing iron enrichment in passive films. Coupons were then immersed in a pilot fed-batch fermenter in presence of E. coli. Sanitization causes iron enrichment in passive films. Fermentation causes the growth of biofilm on the SS, constituted by bacteria embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance. During fermentation SS open circuit potential is very negative due to low oxygen concentration on its surface, while the chelating action of siderophores induces chromium enrichment in the passive film. Disinfection in NaClO for 30 min allows removal of biofilm and formation of a protective passive film.
Effect of NaClO disinfection/cleaning on passive films on AISI 316L
Abstract 316 L stainless steel samples were passivated in NaClO containing solutions in order to simulate disinfection processes. Passive films were grown at the open circuit potential by immersion in NaClO aqueous solutions at different concentrations and temperature in order to understand how exposure to aggressive environments could affect subsequent corrosion resistance of SSs. In the attempt to study the passive film growth mechanism, in-situ Open Circuit Potential measurements were performed in the same growth solutions. Photoelectrochemical and impedance investigation of passive films was carried out in order to link their solid state properties with their corrosion behaviour.
Tuning of the Mg Alloy AZ31 Anodizing Process for Biodegradable Implants
Coatings were grown on the AZ31 Mg alloy by a hard anodizing process in the hot glycerol phosphate-containing electrolyte. Anodizing conditions were optimized, maximizing corrosion resistance estimated by impedance measurements carried out in Hank's solution at 37 °C. A post anodizing annealing treatment (350 °C for 24 h) allowed us to further enhance the corrosion resistance of the coatings mainly containing magnesium phosphate according to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman analyses. Gravimetric measurements revealed a hydrogen evolution rate within the limits acceptable for application of AZ31 in biomedical devices. In vitro tests demonstrated that the coatings are biocompati…