The Role of Alloying Elements in the Corrosion of Cobalt-based Alloys

• Main Authors: Metikos-Hukovic, Mirjana, Babić, Ranko, Omanović, Dario, Milošev, Ingrid
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1938-5862; 1938-6737
• DOI: 10.1149/1.2408927

Co-Cr-Mo alloys have been widely used as biomaterials to assist in the repair or replacement of bone tissue in the human body. In this study the influence of alloying elements on the properties of passive films, which are vital to the alloy's biocompatibility, was studied. In-vitro investigations were performed in a physiological Hank's solution with a pH of 6.8. Electrochemical techniques were used to study the oxido-reduction processes, while the structural properties of the electrified interfaces and the solid-state processes and changes inside the oxide films were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The film's composition as a function of the applied potential was examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A quantitative analysis of the metallic ions produced during a prolonged immersion of the investigated materials in the Hank's solution was carried out by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR ICP-MS). A good correlation between the results obtained from the different experimental techniques was obtained.