Search

Metal-based high-touch surfaces used for indoor applications such as doorknobs, light switches, handles and desks need to remain their antimicrobial properties even when tarnished or degraded. A novel laboratory methodology of relevance for indoor atmospheric conditions and fingerprint contact has therefore been elaborated for combined studies of both tarnishing/corrosion and antimicrobial properties of such high-touch surfaces. Cu metal was used as a benchmark material. The protocol includes pre-tarnishing/corrosion of the high touch surface for different time periods in a climatic chamber at repeated dry/wet conditions and artificial sweat deposition followed by the introduction of bacteria onto the surfaces via artificial sweat droplets. This methodology provides a more realistic and reproducible approach compared with other reported procedures to determine the antimicrobial efficiency of high-touch surfaces. It provides further a possibility to link the antimicrobial characteristics to physical and chemical properties such as surface composition, chemical reactivity, tarnishing/corrosion, surface roughness and surface wettability. The results elucidate that bacteria interactions as well as differences in extent of tarnishing can alter the physical properties (e.g. surface wettability, surface roughness) as well as the extent of metal release. The results clearly elucidate the importance to consider changes in chemical and physical properties of indoor hygiene surfaces when assessing their antimicrobial properties.

Hazard classification of metal alloys is today generally based on their bulk content, an approach that seldom reflects the extent of metal release for a given environment. Such information can instead be achieved via bioelution testing under simulated physiological conditions. The use of bioelution data instead of bulk contents would hence refine the current hazard classification of alloys and enable grouping. Bioelution data have been generated for nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) released from several stainless steel grades, one low-alloyed steel, and Ni and Co metals in synthetic sweat, saliva and gastric fluid, for exposure periods from 2 to 168 h. All stainless steel grades with bulk contents of 0.11–10 wt% Ni and 0.019–0.24 wt% Co released lower amounts of Ni (up to 400-fold) and Co (up to 300-fold) than did the low-alloyed steel (bulk content: 0.034% Ni, 0.015% Co). They further showed a relative bioaccessibility of Ni and Co considerably less than 1, while the opposite was the case for the low-alloyed steel. Surface oxide- and electrochemical corrosion investigations explained these findings in terms of the high passivity of the stainless steels related to the Cr(III)-rich surface oxide that readily adapted to the fluid acidity and chemistry.

Nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) release from chromium-alloy powders (different stainless steels and a nickel-based Inconel alloy) compared with Ni and Co metal powders was investigated at simulated human exposure scenarios (ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation) between 2 and 168 h. All investigated powders consisted of particles sized within the respirable range. The powder particles and their surface reactivity were studied by means of nitrogen adsorption and electrochemical, spectroscopic (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy), light scattering, and microscopic techniques. The release of both Ni and Co was highest in the acidic and complexing fluids simulating the gastric environment and an inhalation scenario of small powders (artificial lysosomal fluid). Relatively high corrosion resistance and lower levels of released Ni and Co were observed in all fluids for all alloy powders compared with the corresponding pure metals. The extent of released metals was low for powders with a passive surface oxide. This study strongly emphasizes the importance of considering alloying effects in toxicological classification and/or regulation of Ni and Co in alloys and metals., Graphical Abstract

The titanium–aluminium (6 wt%)–vanadium (4 wt%) (Ti6Al4V) alloy is widely used as an orthopedic and dental implant material due to its high corrosion resistance in such environments. The corrosion resistance is usually determined by means of electrochemical methods, which may not be able to detect other chemical surface reactions. Literature findings report a synergistic effect of the combination of the abundant protein albumin and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the extent of metal release and corrosion of Ti6Al4V. The objectives of this study were to gain further mechanistic insight on the interplay of H2O2 and albumin on the metal release process of Ti6Al4V with special focus on (1) kinetics and (2) H2O2 and albumin concentrations. This was accomplished mainly by metal release and surface oxide composition investigations, which confirmed the combined effect of H2O2 and albumin on the metal release process, although not detectable by electrochemical open circuit potential measurements. A concentration of 30 mM H2O2 induced substantial changes in the surface oxide characteristics, an oxide which became thicker and enriched in aluminum. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) seemed to be able to deplete this aluminum content from the outermost surface or at least to delay its surface enrichment. This effect increased with increased BSA concentration, and for time periods longer than 24 h. This study hence suggests that short‐term (accelerated) corrosion resistance measurements are not sufficient to predict potential health effects of Ti6Al4V alloys since also chemical dissolution mechanisms play a large role for metal release, possibly in a synergistic way. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 855–867, 2019.

The interplay between atmospheric corrosion and antimicrobial efficiency of bare Cu and Cu5Zn5Al1Sn was studied upon exposures simulating high-touch surface conditions. The survival of the bacteria Bacillus subtilis during surface contact with Cu and Cu5Zn5Al1Sn was examined under different degrees of surface oxidation, tarnishing, wettability and copper ion release. Depending on surface conditions complete bacteria inhibition was obtained within 4 min on Cu and within 6–10 min on Cu5Zn5Al1Sn. The antibacterial efficiency increases slightly with copper release rate and is governed by complex interactions between the corroded metal surface, bacteria and extracellular polymeric substances produced by the bacteria.

Accelerated NVDA (VDA 233-102) tests were performed on bare Zn and Al sheets, Galfan coating (Zn–5 wt-% Al) and Galvalume coating (Zn–55 wt-% Al) on steel. ZnO, Zn(OH)2 and Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O were the main corrosion products identified on both bare Zn sheet and Galfan. AlOOH and Al(OH)3 were preferentially formed on bare Al sheet and Galvalume. In addition, Zn–Al–containing corrosion products, Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O and/or Zn2Al(OH)6Cl·2H2O were identified on both Galfan and Galvalume. Corrosion products of Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O with a platelet morphology were preferentially formed in the zinc-rich interdendritic regions of the Galvalume surface. Galfan revealed a similar corrosion behaviour as bare Zn sheet, whereas Galvalume exhibited similar behaviour as bare Al sheet. Deposition of chlorides highly influenced the corrosion of both Galvalume and Al rather than Galfan and Zn due to the rapid local damage of the compact native thin film of Al2O3.

A new technical guideline has been implemented by the Council of Europe (CoE) to ensure the stability and safety of food contact articles of metals and alloys, using 5 g/L citric acid (pH 2.4) and ...

Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) are increasingly used in various biologically relevant applications and products, e.g., due to their antimicrobial and catalytic properties. This inevitably demands for an improved understanding on their interactions and potential toxic effects on humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the corrosion of copper nanoparticles in various biological media and to elucidate the speciation of released copper in solution. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lung cell (A549 type II) membrane damage induced by Cu NPs in the various media were studied. The used biological media of different complexity are of relevance for nanotoxicological studies: Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium (DMEM), DMEM+ (includes fetal bovine serum), phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and PBS+histidine. The results show that both copper release and corrosion are enhanced in DMEM+, DMEM, and PBS+histidine compared with PBS alone. Speciation results show that essentially no free copper ions are present in the released fraction of Cu NPs in neither DMEM+, DMEM nor histidine, while labile Cu complexes form in PBS. The Cu NPs were substantially more membrane reactive in PBS compared to the other media and the NPs caused larger effects compared to the same mass of Cu ions. Similarly, the Cu NPs caused much more ROS generation compared to the released fraction only. Taken together, the results suggest that membrane damage and ROS formation are stronger induced by Cu NPs and by free or labile Cu ions/complexes compared with Cu bound to biomolecules.

Hydrozincite, Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6, was recently found to play a key role in reducing corrosion product flaking on Cu–Zn alloys. A fundamental study was undertaken to explore the underlying mechanisms, in particular why hydrozincite can suppress the interaction between chlorides and the alloy surface. Hydrozincite could be formed by exposure of Cu40Zn to air at 70% relative humidity and 1000ppm of CO2 resulting in a surface of decreased wettability. Its presence reduces the initial spreading ability of NaCl-containing droplets and lowers the overall initial corrosion rate when the alloy is exposed to pre-deposited NaCl and wet/dry cycles.

Different surface treatments, with and without silver (Ag), of a Ti6Al4V alloy for increased bone bonding ability were investigated and compared with non-treated surfaces. Studies were conducted at ...

One technique of additive manufacturing is the binder-jetting technique that has the advantages of low costs, printing at room temperature and in air, and no need of a support structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the corrosion behavior of printed 316L surfaces with and without different post surface treatments of blasting and superfinishing. Comparative studies were performed on abraded wrought 316L. Surface topography, porosity, surface oxide composition, and electrochemical characteristics, including pitting corrosion, were investigated at room temperature as a function of post surface treatments in diluted hydrochloric acid at pH 1.5. The blasting and superfinishing treatment significantly reduced the surface roughness and level of surface porosity. Blasting detrimentally affected on the pitting corrosion resistance. The superfinishing process induced an enrichment of chromium in the surface oxide and improved the pitting corrosion resistance. All surfaces revealed slightly reduced susceptibility to pit initiation and metastable pitting as compared to wrought 316L, possibly explained by the absence of inclusions. Once pitting propagation was induced, repassivation was hindered for all surfaces compared with the wrought surface. The pitting corrosion resistance of the as-superfinished 316L was improved compared with wrought 316L.

The mechanism of corrosion product flaking on bare copper sheet and three copper-based alloys in chloride rich environments has been explored through field and laboratory exposures. The tendency for flaking is much more pronounced on Cu and Cu–4wt%Sn than on Cu–15wt%Zn and Cu–5wt%Al–5wt%Zn. This difference is explained by the initial formation of zinc and zinc–aluminum hydroxycarbonates on Cu15Zn and Cu5Al5Zn, which delays the formation of CuCl, a precursor of Cu2(OH)3Cl. As a result, the observed volume expansion during transformation of CuCl to Cu2(OH)3Cl, and concomitant corrosion product flaking, is less severe on Cu15Zn and Cu5Al5Zn than on Cu and Cu4Sn.

Selective laser melting (SLM) is increasingly used for the fabrication of customized dental components made of metal alloys such as CoCrMo. The main aim of the present study is to elucidate the influence of the non-equilibrium microstructure obtained by SLM on corrosion susceptibility and extent of metal release (measure of biocompatibility).A multi-analytical approach has been employed by combining microscopic and bulk compositional tools with electrochemical techniques and chemical analyses of metals in biologically relevant fluids for three differently SLM fabricated CoCrMo alloys and one cast CoCrMo alloy used for comparison.Rapid cooling and strong temperature gradients during laser melting resulted in the formation of a fine cellular structure with cell boundaries enriched in Mo (Co depleted), and suppression of carbide precipitation and formation of a martensitic ɛ (hcp) phase at the surface. These features were shown to decrease the corrosion and metal release susceptibility of the SLM alloys compared with the cast alloy. Unique textures formed in the pattern of the melting pools of the three different laser melted CoCrMo alloys predominantly explain observed small, though significant, differences. The susceptibility for corrosion and metal release increased with an increased number (area) of laser melt pool boundaries.This study shows that integrative and interdisciplinary studies of microstructural characteristics, corrosion, and metal release are essential to assess and consider during the design and fabrication of CoCrMo dental components of optimal biocompatibility. The reason is that the extent of metal release from CoCrMo is dependent on fabrication procedures.

Bare copper sheet and three commercial Cu-based alloys, Cu15Zn, Cu4Sn and Cu5Al5Zn, have been exposed to four test sites in Brest, France, with strongly varying chloride deposition rates. The corrosion rates of all four materials decrease continuously with distance from the coast, i.e. with decreasing chloride load, and in the following order: Cu4Sn>Cu sheet>Cu15Zn>Cu5Al5Zn. The patina on all materials was composed of two main layers, Cu2O as the inner layer and Cu2(OH)3Cl as the outer layer, and with a discontinuous presence of CuCl in between. Additional minor patina constituents are SnO2 (Cu4Sn), Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2 (Cu15Zn and Cu5Al5Zn) and Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O/Zn2Al(OH)6Cl·2H2O/Zn5Cl2(OH)8·H2O and Al2O3 (Cu5Al5Zn). The observed Zn- and Zn/Al-containing corrosion products might be important factors for the lower sensitivity of Cu15Zn and Cu5Al5Zn against chloride-induced atmospheric corrosion compared with Cu sheet and Cu4Sn.Decreasing corrosion rates with exposure time were observed for all materials and chloride loads and attributed to an improved adherence with time of the outer patina to the underlying inner oxide. Flaking of the outer patina layer was mainly observed on Cu4Sn and Cu sheet and associated with the gradual transformation of CuCl to Cu2(OH)3Cl of larger volume. After three years only Cu5Al5Zn remains lustrous because of a patina compared with the other materials that appeared brownish–reddish.Significantly lower release rates of metals compared with corresponding corrosion rates were observed for all materials. Very similar release rates of copper from all four materials were observed during the fifth year of marine exposure due to an outer surface patina that with time revealed similar constituents and solubility properties.

Galfan coatings on steel in laboratory exposures with predeposited NaCl and cyclic wet/dry conditions exhibit nearly the same corrosion products as after 5years of marine exposure. A general scenario for corrosion product evolution on Galfan in chloride-rich atmospheres is proposed. It includes the initial formation of ZnO, ZnAl2O4 and Al2O3 and subsequent formation of Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3⋅4H2O, and Zn2Al(OH)6Cl⋅2H2O and/or Zn5Cl2(OH)8⋅H2O. An important phase is Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3⋅4H2O, which largely governs the reduced long-term zinc runoff from Galfan. A clear influence of microstructure could be observed on corrosion initiation in the slightly zinc-richer η-Zn phase adjacent to the β-Al phase.

We report the successful use of focussed ion beam (FIB) milling of trenches in a material of complex microstructure in order to visualize a selected area (32×32 μm) for further multi-analysis with submicron resolution. This capability is demonstrated for a Zn–5 wt% Al coating Galfan™ on steel. The very same eutectic surface area was analyzed by three complementary and independent techniques providing consistent information on the lateral distribution of morphology and elemental composition (scanning electron microscopy with x-ray microanalysis, SEM/EDS), topography and Volta potential (scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy, SKPFM) and oxide composition (confocal Raman microspectroscopy, CRM). The approach enables a straightforward way to explore the interplay between microstructure and local corrosion of metallic materials.

Presents a comprehensive look at atmospheric corrosion, combining expertise in corrosion science and atmospheric chemistry Is an invaluable resource for corrosion scientists, corrosion engineers, a ...

Non-treated Galvalume (55% Al, 43.4% Zn and 1.6% Si by weight) coatings have been studied through a combination of surface, near surface and bulk analysis after exposure at marine conditions, and f ...

This study explores the initial release of zinc and aluminum from non-treated Galvalume and the parallel formation of corrosion products when exposed to synthetic seawater and rainwater of different chloride content. Comparisons were made with long-term field exposures at non-sheltered marine conditions. Observed release rates from short-term conditions agree qualitatively with the long-term findings with a selective release of zinc over aluminum. The release and corrosion processes were intertwined through the formation of corrosion products with properties that influence the long-term release process. Prior to exposure, Al2O3 dominated the entire surface, and was subject to local destruction upon interaction with chloride ions. As a consequence Al2O3 was gradually replaced and covered by zinc-rich corrosion products primarily in interdendritic areas during the first year of marine exposure. This was followed by the gradual formation and integration of aluminum-rich corrosion products, reflected by an increased zinc release rate during the first year, followed by a gradually decreased rate during subsequent years. The importance of Al2O3 was also evident in deaerated synthetic rainwater or seawater, where the formation of Al2O3 was presumably hindered. In synthetic rain water this resulted in a higher ratio between released aluminum and zinc compared with non-deaerated conditions.

Zinc release data from 5 years of unsheltered exposures in a marine and an urban site is compiled for different zinc material types. The thin surface treatment on zinc materials is gradually detached after approximately 2 years at both sites, revealing the pre-weathered zinc surface unprotected. This consequently increased the release rates of zinc from this surface, whereas the zinc runoff rate from the bare zinc sheet remained relatively stable. Raman studies on bare zinc sheet exposed for 5 years at the marine site revealed zinc oxide of varying crystalline nature and hydrozincite to appear localized and separated from each other.

The last 15 years of research related to atmospheric corrosion and the release of copper to the environment are shortly summarized. Brown and green patinas with high barrier properties for corrosion are gradually evolved on copper at atmospheric conditions. The corrosion process and repeated dry and wet cycles results in a partial dissolution of corrosion products within the patina. Dissolved copper can be released and dispersed into the environment via the action of rainwater, however the major part is rearranged within the patina during drying cycles. The majority of corrosion products formed have a poor solubility, very different from water soluble copper salts. The release process is very slow and takes place independent of patina color. Its extent has only a marginal effect on the adherent patina. Released copper rapidly interacts with organic matter and in contact with different surfaces already in the close vicinity of the building, such as drainage systems, storm water pipes, pavements, stone materials and soil systems. These surfaces all have high capacities to retain copper in the runoff water and to reduce its concentration and chemical form to non-available and non-toxic levels for aquatic organisms.

Galvanized steel structures are used in a large variety of external constructions in the modern urban society, and their beneficial properties from a corrosion and oxidation perspective are well known. Less investigated is the extent of their contribution to the diffuse dispersion of zinc in the society and also to the environmental fate of corrosion-induced released zinc. This paper presents long-term runoff rates of zinc from galvanized steel surfaces with main focus on hot-dipped galvanized steel exposed for up to 10 years at nonsheltered urban atmospheric conditions. The long-term capacities of a naturally formed patina and the presence of surface treatments and coatings to hinder and reduce corrosion-induced zinc runoff from galvanized steel are elucidated. The environmental interaction of zinc runoff and concrete surfaces in pavement and urban storm drain systems is highlighted and the high capacity of concrete to retain released zinc presented.

Ferritic stainless steel grade AISI 430 with three different surface finishes, glossy, line and abraded has been evaluated regarding changes in metal release rates and corresponding changes in surf ...

Despite numerous studies on atmospheric corrosion of copper and copper based alloys, the corrosion induced release processes of individual alloy constituents suffer from significant knowledge gaps. This investigation comprises metal release rate measurements of copper, zinc and tin from some copper based alloys including brass (20 wt-%Zn) and bronze (6 wt-%Sn), and their pure alloying metals, copper, zinc and tin. Data have been generated during a 2·5 year urban field exposure in Stockholm, Sweden and parallel laboratory investigations in a specially designed rain chamber using artificial rain. Brass shows significantly lower annual release rates of both copper and zinc compared to pure metal sheets of its alloy constituents. Zinc is preferentially released compared to copper. Dezincification of brass occurs both at field and laboratory conditions, a process influenced by rain characteristics. Alloying with tin does not largely reduce the release rate of copper from bronze compared to pure copper....

Nickel is widely used in a broad range of products, primarily made of alloys, used by humans on a daily basis. Previous assessments have shown that skin contact with some such products may cause nickel allergic contact dermatitis, induced by the release of nickel. However, data on nickel release from small nickel particles in artificial sweat for assessment of potential risks of workers in nickel-producing and nickel-using facilities are not available. The objective of this study was to fill this knowledge gap by determining nickel release from fine nickel powder ( approximately 4 microm diameter) of different loadings varying from 0.1 to 5 mg/cm(2), when immersed in artificial sweat. The amount of nickel released increased with increasing particle loading, whereas the highest release rate per surface area of particles was observed for the medium particle loading, 1 mg/cm(2), at current experimental conditions. All particle loadings showed time-dependent release rates, reaching a relative steady-state level of less than 0.1 microg/cm(2)/hr after 12 hr of immersion, whereby less than 0.5% of the nickel particle loading was released. Nickel release from particles was influenced by the surface composition, the active surface area for corrosion, particle size, and loading.

Release rates of individual alloy constituents have been determined from seven grades of stainless steels exposed to two synthetic body fluids, used as surrogates for different areas of potential e ...

Due to its beneficial corrosion resistance, stainless steel is widely used in, e.g., biomedical applications, as surfaces in food contact, and for products intended to come into skin contact. Low levels of metals can be released from the stainless steel surface into solution, even for these highly corrosion resistant alloys. This needs to be considered in risk assessment and management. This review aims to compile the different metal release mechanisms that are relevant for stainless steel when used in different biological settings. These mechanisms include corrosion-induced metal release, dissolution of the surface oxide, friction-induced metal release, and their combinations. The influence of important physicochemical surface properties, different organic species and proteins in solution, and of biofilm formation on corrosion-induced metal release is discussed. Chemical and electrochemical dissolution mechanisms of the surface oxides of stainless steel are presented with a focus on protonation, complexation/ligand-induced dissolution, and reductive dissolution by applying a perspective on surface adsorption of complexing or reducing ligands and proteins. The influence of alloy composition, microstructure, route of manufacture, and surface finish on the metal release process is furthermore discussed as well as the chemical speciation of released metals. Typical metal release patterns are summarized.

Corrosion-induced copper runoff has been monitored for copper sheet, naturally patinated copper and pre-patinated copper, with and without surface treatments, in a marine environment during one yea ...

Release rates of chromium, nickel and iron from grade 304 stainless steel with three different surface finishes, BA, 2B and 2D, have been determined after exposure to artificial lysosomal fluid. Me ...

A cross-disciplinary research project has been implemented because of increased awareness of the potential environmental effects caused by dispersion of metals from external applications into the environment. The work comprises a 4-year (1998–2002) field exposure of grades 304 and 316 stainless steels, and a laboratory percolation study simulating 20–25 years of chromium and nickel containing runoff water interactions with soil. Total metal annual release rates varied between 0.2 and 0.7 mg m−2 yr−1 for Cr, between 0.1 and 0.8 mg m−2 yr−1 for Ni and between 10 and 200 mg m−2 yr−1 for Fe. Most Cr and Ni is present in an ionic form as a result of the limited presence of organic matter at the immediate release situation. Metal ion concentrations in the runoff water are far below reported ecotoxic concentrations. Studies of the environmental interaction between runoff water from stainless steel and soil show the majority of released Cr and Ni to be retained and their concentrations in percolation water to be very low (0.5–1 μg L−1 and 1–5.5 μg L−1 for Cr and Ni, respectively). Speciation calculations showed Cr to be primarily complexed to dissolved organic carbon while Ni also was present in an ionic form in the solution phase. Soil extractions showed Cr and Ni to be very strongly retained within the soil.

The release of copper, induced by atmospheric corrosion, from naturally patinated copper of varying age (0 and 30 years) has been investigated together with its potential ecotoxic effect. Results were generated in an interdisciplinary research effort in which corrosion science and ecotoxicology aspects were combined. The aim of the investigation was to elucidate the situation when copper-containing rainwater leaves a roof in terms of runoff rate, chemical speciation, bioavailability and ecotoxicity effects. Data have been collected during a three-year field exposure conducted in the urban environment of Stockholm, Sweden. The potential environmental effects have been evaluated using a combination of a copper specific biosensor test with the bacterium Alcaligenes eutrophus and the conventional 72-h growth inhibition test with the green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata. The results show annual runoff rates between 1.0 and 1.5 g/m2 year for naturally patinated copper of varying age. The runoff rate increased slightly with patina age, which mainly is attributed to the enhanced first flush effect observed on thicker patina layers. The total copper concentration in investigated runoff samplings ranged from 0.9 to 9.7 mg/l. Both computer modeling and experimental studies revealed that the majority (60-100%) of released copper was present as the free hydrated cupric ion, Cu(H2O)6(2+), the most bioavailable copper species. However, other copper species in the runoff water, such as, e.g. Cu(OH)+ and Cu2(OH)2(2+), were also bioavailable. The copper-containing runoff water, sampled directly after release from the roof, caused significant reduction in growth rate of the green alga. It should be emphasized that the results describe the runoff situation immediately after release from the copper roof and not the real environmental ecotoxicity. Therefore the data should only be used as an initial assessment of the potential environmental effect of copper runoff from building applications. Future risk assessments should also consider dilution effects of copper, changes in its chemical speciation and bioavailability during environmental entry, and type and sensitivity of the receiving ecosystem.

Release rates of chromium and nickel from pickled and skin passed 304 and 316 stainless steel have been determined during a one-year field exposure in an urban environment (Stockholm, Sweden) and ...

Instantaneous corrosion rates of naturally patinated copper of varying age (16 months, 138 and 145 years) have been determined during continuous rain events in the laboratory with electrochemical i ...

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) were used for in situ investigations of the initial atmospheric corrosion of bronze. In addition ex situ XPS inv ...

Predictions of the diffuse dispersion of metals from outdoor constructions such as roofs and facades are necessary for environmental risk assessment and management. An existing predictive model has been compared with measured data of copper runoff from copper sheets exposed at four different inclinations facing four orientations at two different urban sites (Stockholm, Sweden, and Milan, Italy) during a 4-year period. Its applicability has also been investigated for copper sheet exposed at two marine sites (Cadiz, Spain, for 5 years, and Brest, France, for 9 years). Generally the model can be used for all given conditions. However, vertical surfaces should be considered as surfaces inclined 60–80° due to wind-driven effects. The most important parameters that influence copper runoff, and not already included in the model, are the wind and rain characteristics that influence the actual rainfall volume impinging the surface of interest.

Stainless steel is widely used in biological environments, for example as implant material or in food applications, where adsorption-controlled ligand-induced metal release is of importance from a corrosion, health, and food safety perspective. The objective of this study was to elucidate potential correlations between surface energy and wettability of stainless steel surfaces and the release of iron in complexing biological media. This was accomplished by studying changes in surface energies calculated from contact angle measurements, surface oxide composition (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and released iron (graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy) for stainless steel grade AISI 304 immersed in fluids containing bovine serum albumin or citric acid, and non-complexing fluids such as NaCl, NaOH, and HNO3. It was shown that the surface wettability and polar surface energy components were all influenced by adventitious atmospheric carbon (surface contamination of low molecular weight), rather than differences in surface oxide composition in non-complexing solutions. Adsorption of both BSA and citrate, which resulted in ligand-induced metal release, strongly influenced the wettability and the surface energy, and correlated well with the measured released amount of iron.

Unique quantitative bioaccessibility data has been generated, and the influence of surface/material and test media characteristics on the elemental release process were assessed for silicon containing materials in specific synthetic body fluids at certain time periods at a fixed loading. The metal release test protocol, elaborated by the KTH team, has previously been used for classification, ranking, and screening of different alloys and metals. Time resolved elemental release of Si, Fe and Al from particles, sized less than 50 µm, of two grades of metallurgical silicon (high purity silicon, SiHG, low purity silicon, SiLG), an alloy (ferrosilicon, FeSi) and a mineral (aluminium silicate, AlSi) has been investigated in synthetic body fluids of varying pH, composition and complexation capacity, simple models of for example dermal contact and digestion scenarios. Individual methods for analysis of released Si (as silicic acid, Si(OH)4) in synthetic body fluids using GF-AAS were developed for each fluid including optimisation of solution pH and graphite furnace parameters. The release of Si from the two metallurgical silicon grades was strongly dependent on both pH and media composition with the highest release in pH neutral media. No similar effect was observed for the FeSi alloy or the aluminium silicate mineral. Surface adsorption of phosphate and lactic acid were believed to hinder the release of Si whereas the presence of citric acid enhanced the release as a result of surface complexation. An increased presence of Al and Fe in the material (low purity metalloid, alloy or mineral) resulted in a reduced release of Si in pH neutral media. The release of Si was enhanced for all materials with Al at their outermost surface in acetic media.

This paper summarizes the results from an extensive field exposure program implemented to study possible seasonal dependencies of copper corrosion rates and runoff rates. Two-year exposures in one ...

The influence of hydrogen charging, outgassing, pickling and passivation of mechanically polished chromium was investigated with respect to corrosion potential and anodic dissolution in 0.3 M NaCl ...

In order to fill some major gaps of knowledge for future risk assessments, an interdisciplinary research effort is going on in order to generate relevant zinc runoff rate data from various commercial zinc-based materials, and to explore the relation between the chemical speciation of zinc in runoff water and its ecotoxicity. This study presents runoff rates, based on 1-year exposures of 15 zinc-based materials, which range from 0.07 to 3.5 g/m2 year. When collected immediately after release from the various zinc-based surfaces, chemical speciation modeling of the runoff water suggests that nearly all zinc (>95%) is present as hydrated Zn2+ ions, the most bioavailable speciation form. Evaluation of zinc runoff for possible environmental effects was performed through growth inhibition test with a green alga, Raphidocelis subcapitata. The results show a high correlation between the amount of zinc in the runoff and the environmental effect, suggesting, again, that all zinc is present as hydrated Zn2+. The insight gained aids in predicting actual ecotoxicity effects during environmental fate of zinc, based on chemical speciation of zinc in the runoff.

Two new accelerated laboratory corrosion tests for electronic components in automotive applications have been developed, based on the use of metallic copper as a meter for corrosivity. The accelerated tests are designed so that they reproduce the same kind of corrosion effects as observed with exposure of copper in real vehicle environments. The test cycle that best simulates the corrosion characteristics of an engine compartment is composed of the following steps: a) exposure to neutral salt spray for 2 h; b) drying at 23/spl deg/C and 50% RH for 22 h; c) exposure to a test atmosphere of 1.5 ppm NO/sub 2/ and 0.5 ppm SO/sub 2/ at 25/spl deg/C and 95% RH for five days; d) drying at 23/spl deg/C and 50% RH for one day. The predominating corrosion products of copper, formed both during service exposure and in the accelerated test, are Cu/sub 2/O and Cu/sub 2/Cl(OH)/sub 3/, with a small amount of sulphur-containing corrosion products in the form of sulphates. In terms of corrosivity of copper, a test duration of six weeks corresponds to 7.5 years of exposure in the reference engine compartment selected for this study. The test cycle designed for the passenger compartment contains the steps: a) exposure for five days to a test atmosphere of 10 ppm NO/sub 2/ and 95% RH at 35/spl deg/C, followed by b) drying at 23/spl deg/C and 50% RH for two days. In this case, Cu/sub 2/O is the predominating corrosion product. In terms of corrosivity of copper, a test duration of four weeks corresponds to 7.5 years of exposure in the reference passenger compartment of this study.

The influence of environmental conditions and corrosion layer characteristics have been investigated on the runoff rate of copper and zinc, used as roofing material. For this purpose, a rain device ...

Recently there has been anincreased environmental concern in severalcountries in Europe, in particular in Sweden andin the Netherlands regarding the amount of copperand zinc that is released from building materialsinto society. Due to lack of runoff data, thelegislators have so far used corrosion ratesmeasured during the last 20 years to calculatequantities of metal released from buildingsassuming that the quantity of metal corrosionequals the quantity of metal runoff. Withdecreasing levels of environmental pollutantsduring the last decade in Europe, it is importantto determine more recent and hence morerepresentative corrosion and runoff rates to beused in the calculations. For this reason a field exposure program was implemented during 48 weeks in an urbanatmosphere in Sweden determining corrosion andrunoff rates for copper and zinc of differentage. New copper exposed for 48 weeks in the urbanatmosphere shows a corrosion rate of 6.7gm-2y-1 and an almost constant runoff rate of1.3 gm-2y-1 during the period. Therunoff rate is significantly lower than thecorrosion rate and represents only a fraction(≤20%) of the total amount of corroded metalduring this period. Zinc shows a graduallydecreasing corrosion rate with time being 5.0gm-2y-1 after 48 weeks of exposure. Therunoff rate is relatively stable with an averagerate of 3.1 gm-2y-1 during the sameperiod. This value represents ≈60% of the totalamount of corroded zinc. The effect of panel age has been investigatedin parallel field and laboratory studies. Theresults show that naturally aged copper exhibitssomewhat higher average runoff rates (2 gm-2y-1) than new copper, probably due to acombined effect of storage and weatherconditions. No significant difference in runoffrate can be found between new and naturally agedzinc. The field and laboratory investigationsshow that precipitation rate and amount influence the magnitude of the runoff rate forboth copper and zinc.

This review on copper runoff dispersed from unsheltered naturally patinated copper used for roofing and facades summarizes and discusses influencing factors, available literature, and predictive models, and the importance of fate and speciation for environmental risk assessment. Copper runoff from outdoor surfaces is predominantly governed by electrochemical and chemical reactions and is highly dependent on given exposure conditions (size, inclination, geometry, degree of sheltering, and orientation), surface parameters (age, patina composition, and thickness), and site-specific environmental conditions (gaseous pollutants, chlorides, rainfall characteristics (amount, intensity, pH), wind direction, temperature, time of wetness, season). The corrosion rate cannot be used to assess the runoff rate. The extent of released copper varies largely between different rain events and is related to dry and wet periods, dry deposition prior to the rain event and prevailing rain and patina characteristics. Interpretation and use of copper runoff data for environmental risk assessment and management need therefore to consider site-specific factors and focus on average data of long-term studies (several years). Risk assessments require furthermore that changes in copper speciation, bioavailability aspects, and potential irreversible retention on solid surfaces are considered, factors that determine the environmental fate of copper runoff from outdoor surfaces.

The effect of exposure direction and inclination on the runoff rates of both zinc and copper has been studied by field exposures on model roofs. Runoff rates decrease with higher inclinations from ...

The influence of two pickling methods and mechanical polishing on polarization resistance, passive current density and break-down potential of 304L tubes was investigated by EIS and potentiodynamic measurements in 0.05 M H2SO4 + 0.05 M NaCl solution. The electrochemical cell was specially designed to separately measure outer and inner surfaces of tubes. The results demonstrated that the outer and inner surfaces of tubes could be separately evaluated by the electrochemical measurements using the cell configuration. Differences in the electrochemical behavior were observed between pickled and polished tubes, between the inner and outer surface of tubes, and between the two pickling methods.