Impact of Sterilisation and Strain Hardening in Drawing Process on Resistance to Electrochemical Corrosion of Wires Intended in Cardiology

Abstract

The study presents results of tests of impact of work hardening in cold drawing process, surface treatment and sterilisation on resistance to electrochemical corrosion of wires made of stainless steel X2CrNiMo 17-12-2 intended for cardiology. Potentiodynamic tests were performed on the ground of registered anodic polarisation curves in artificial plasma solution. Static uniaxial tension test made the ground for determination of strength characteristics of wires and the flow curve. Functions presenting the change of polarisation resistance according to strain applied in drawing process were selected. Test results show deterioration of corrosion properties of wires with work hardening. Surface modification of passivated surface caused increase of resistance of stainless steel wires to electrochemical corrosion, whereas sterilisation with pressurised water steam deteriorated that resistance.