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ASTM F-139 surgical stainless steel was subjected to annealing treatments at 700 °C for different times. The effect of annealing on the chemical composition of the passive film was evaluated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The correlation of the surface chemistry with the corrosion behavior and semiconducting properties of the passive film was also investigated. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were conducted in phosphate-buffered solution at 37°C. The semiconducting character of the passive film was assessed by the Mott–Schottky approach. The microstructure of the annealed samples was characterized by optical microscopy. The grain size increased after annealing, but the differences between each annealing condition were not significant and could not be associated with the corrosion behavior of the annealed samples. The corrosion resistance was improved depending on the heat treatment condition due to compositional changes of the passive film upon annealing. The best corrosion properties were observed after annealing for 8 h which was ascribed to Cr2O3, MoO3 and FeO enrichment in the passive film.

In this investigation the oxidation behavior of AISI 441 stainless steel (SS) in the range from 850 °C to 950 °C was determined during 50 h in two different atmospheres: (a) synthetic air in a tubular oven; (b) argon with 1 ppm of O 2 in a thermal balance. The oxidation kinetics was determined from the measured mass change as a function of oxidation time. Examination of the microstructure of the oxides and determination of their chemical composition were performed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD). Chemical analyses showed that films formed on the AISI 441 steel surface consisted mostly of chromium oxide but manganese, iron, titanium and silicon oxides were found in the oxidized layer. In synthetic air, the steel oxidation rate increased gradually as the temperature increased, but in the argon atmosphere with 1 ppm of oxygen, the highest oxidation rate was observed at 900 °C and the lowest at 950 °C.

Titanium dioxide ceramic coatings have been used as catalysts in green technologies for water treatment. However, without the presence of a dopant, its photocatalytic activity is limited to the ultraviolet radiation region. The photocatalytic activity and the structural characteristics of undoped and sulfur-doped TiO2 films grown at 400 °C by metallorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) were studied. The photocatalytic behavior of the films was evaluated by methyl orange dye degradation under visible light. The results suggested the substitution of Ti4+ cations by S6+ ions into TiO2 structure of the doped samples. SO42− groups were observed on the surface. S-TiO2 film exhibited good photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation, and the luminous intensity strongly influences the photocatalytic behavior of the S-TiO2 films. The results supported the idea that the sulfur-doped TiO2 films grown by MOCVD may be promising catalysts for water treatment under sunlight or visible light bulbs.

In this work, composite Ni-P-carbon black coatings were obtained by electroless deposition on API 5L X80 substrates. The effect of carbon black on structural, adhesion and electrochemical properties of the plated samples was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy analyses were carried out to examine the top surface and cross section of the films. Scratch tests were employed to evaluate coating adhesion properties. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were carried out to investigate the global electrochemical behavior of the deposited layers. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was employed to measure local electrochemical activity over the coated surfaces. The carbon black concentration markedly affects the morphology, adhesion and electrochemical properties of the Ni-P-carbon black layers. The results point to an optimum carbon black content to achieve the best performance against corrosion. The coatings obtained at a carbon black concentration of 0.25 g L−1 provided the best protection ability. The results are discussed with respect to coating morphology, adhesion and electrochemical activity.

The present study evaluated the main factors that influence the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) films grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at 400 and 500 °C, in different growth times. The photocatalytic behavior was analyzed by measuring the methyl orange dye degradation at different pH values. Structural and morphological characteristics, and the recyclability of the catalysts for several cycles were also investigated. Anatase phase was identified in all films. The higher photodegradation performances were obtained at acidic pH. The results demonstrated that the photocatalyst thickness is an important parameter in heterogenous photocatalysis. The best photocatalytic result occurred for the 395 nm-thick TiO2 film grown at 400 °C, which presented 65.3% of the dye degradation under UV light. The recyclability experiments demonstrated that the TiO2 films grown by MOCVD present a great stability after several photocatalytic cycles, which allows their practical application for water treatment with high efficiency.

The aim of the present work was to study the influence of beta phase precipitates content and distribution on the corrosion behavior of the AZ91D magnesium alloy, using samples subjected to solution annealing and aging. The morphology of the beta phase was observed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The volume fraction of each phase was also determined. Potentiodynamic polarization tests and immersion tests were carried out, indicating an increase of the corrosion resistance with the volume fraction of the beta phase and its distribution on the grain boundaries of the alpha-phase. Solution annealed samples were more susceptible to corrosion.

Pre-sintering for removal of lubricants is one of the most important steps in processing of powder metallurgy materials to achieve corrosion resistance. This is often the most neglected step in the sintering process. Incomplete removal of these organic compounds may result in sensitization of sintered parts. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of lubricant removal process on the corrosion resistance of sintered AISI 304 L stainless steel filters. Pre-sintering was carried out at 450° C and sintering at 1150° C. As lubricant, 1% wax was used. The corrosion resistance of sintered samples was evaluated by polarization and tests, optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that lubricant removal was not complete and during sintering sensitization of the stainless steel occurred decreasing the localized corrosion resistance of the stainless steel.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of silicate-based films on the corrosion resistance of the API 5L X80 steel in carbonate-bicarbonate solution at room temperature. The films were electrochemically obtained by anodic and cathodic treatments and by immersion in 1.0 M sodium metasilicate solution. The corrosion behavior was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. Film morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Adhesion strength was measured by pull-off tests. The chemical composition was evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The anodic film yielded the best corrosion resistance (protection efficiency 83%). The protection mechanism is discussed.

TiO2 films were sulfur-doped through an alternative route based on the decomposition of H2 S at low temperatures. MOCVD technique was used to grown the films on borosilicate glass substrates at 400 °C. The doping was carried out at 50, 100 and 150 °C under a mixture of H 2-2%v.H2S. SO42− groups were observed in the surface revealing the substitution of Ti4+ by S6+ . Superficial roughness and wettability were also modified by the formation of these sulfate groups on the surface. Photocatalytic experiments of methyl-orange dye decolorization under visible light indicated that the 8 at.% S-TiO 2 film exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, with 72.1% of dye decolorization. The results suggest that the exposition of TiO2 films to the mixture H2-H2S at low temperatures is an efficient method of doping. These films allow the decolorization of the dye under visible light irradiation, which enable its practical use under sunlight or even indoor.

In this work, composite Ni–P-multiwalled carbon nanotube films were produced by electroless deposition. The main goal was to investigate the influence of multiwalled carbon nanotube loading on the local electrochemical behavior of the composite films, as probed by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The coatings were also characterized with respect to their crystalline structure, surface, and cross-section morphologies. Adhesion strength was examined by scratch tests. The global electrochemical behavior was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization. The local electrochemical activity was investigated by probing the Fe2+ oxidation in the surface generation/tip collection mode of the SECM. The results revealed that multiwalled carbon nanotubes increased the adhesion strength and reduced the electrochemical activity on the surface of the coated samples.

The surface chemistry and recyclability of sulfur-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) films was evaluated. The photocatalysts were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at 400 °C. The films were sulfur-doped at 50 °C by using hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as sulfur source. The photocatalytic behavior of the films was measure by monitoring the methyl orange dye decolorization under visible light for several cycles. The films are formed only for the anatase crystalline phase. The results demonstrated that no structural modifications or significant differences in the morphology of the films occurred after their use. The sulfur-doped TiO2 films presented good photocatalytic activity, with an efficiency of 72.1% under visible light in its first use. The durability experiments suggest that even with the dye impregnation on the catalyst surface, the photocatalytic activity of the S-doped TiO2 films remained around 70% in the first 3 cycles, which allows their practical application for water treatment and purification under sunlight.

Long term isothermal and cyclic oxidation behavior of yttrium dioxide (Y2O3) coated Fe-20Cr alloy was studied. Oxidation tests were carried out in air for periods of up to 200 hours at 1000°C and the oxidation behavior of the alloy was evaluated gravimetrically. The Y2O3 coating reduced markedly the mass gain of the alloy. Energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis of scale sections on oxidized Y2O3 coated specimens revealed a Cr rich layer close to the metal/oxide interface and the presence of Y and Cr near the oxide/air interface, indicating diffusion of Cr through the Y2O3 layer. Further evidence of this diffusion was seen as change in colour of the Y2O3 coating from white to green after prolonged oxidation. X-ray diffraction analysis of the scale revealed perovskite-type YCrO3.This study attributes the increased oxidation resistance of the Y2O3 coated Fe-20Cr alloy to increased oxygen ion diffusion through the Cr2O3 scale due to YCrO3 formation and grain boundary segregated Y ion blocking alloy cation diffusion.

Ternary Ni-W-P films were produced by electroless deposition using baths with different tungsten concentrations. After deposition, the coated surfaces were annealed at 400°C for 1h. Surface morphology and film composition in the as-plated condition were assessed by SEM and EDS analyses, respectively. The crystalline phases after annealing were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Nanoindentation tests were performed to assess the mechanical properties of the deposited films. Surface roughness was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Friction coefficient was evaluated by reciprocating were tests in a nanotribometer. The corrosion behavior was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization curves. The results showed that the surface morphology, crystallization behavior and corrosion resistance were affected by the tungsten content in the film. The best corrosion performance was obtained for the ternary films after annealing. Hardness, surface roughness and friction coefficient were dependent of the tungsten concentration in the film.

This study reports the high temperature erosion-oxidation (E-O) behavior of conventional and nanostructured Cr3C2-25(Ni-20Cr) coatings prepared by high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying. As-received and nanostructured Cr3C2-25(Ni-20Cr) powders with mean crystallite sizes of 145 nm and 50 nm respectively, were used to prepare 120 - 200 µm thick coatings on AISI 310 samples. The E-O behavior of the coatings prepared with the as-received (AR) and nanostructured (NS) powders was determined as weight change in a custom designed rig at room temperature, 450, 700 and 800 ºC. The Vickers microhardness, Young's Modulus and fracture toughness of the AR and NS coatings were determined, and the NS coatings exhibited higher values compared with the AR coatings. The E-O resistance of the NS coating was higher than that of AR coating at all temperatures, and particularly at 800 ºC. The increase in E-O resistance of the NS coatings is due to its superior mechanical properties as well as to the presence of some heterogeneities in the AR coatings. The E-O mechanisms of both types of the coatings are discussed, with special attention to that at high temperatures. The results suggest that at 800 ºC the E-O process is controlled by erosion of the oxide.

Die-cast AZ91D magnesium alloy samples have been submitted for anodizing at different potentials. Anodizing was conducted in an environmentally friendly solution which comprised 3 M KOH + 1 M Na2SiO3 at room temperature. The surface treatment was performed electrolytically at four different potentials: 3, 5, 8, and 10 V. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization curves obtained after 7 days of immersion in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at room temperature. The porosity of the anodic films was estimated by means of the linear polarization method. SEM images revealed that the surface oxide was thicker for the anodic films obtained at 3 and 5 V. The films obtained at these potentials were more porous than those formed at 8 and 10 V. The results showed that the thickness of the anodic film had a significant effect on the corrosion behavior of the AZ91D, whereas the influence of the initial porosity was not significant.

Ni/Carbon was prepared in two steps: initially cellulose as carbon source and NiCl2·6H2O as catalyst of the carbonization process were submitted to hydrothermal treatment at 200 °C and further to thermal treatment at 900 °C under argon atmosphere. The obtained material contains Ni nanoparticles with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure dispersed on amorphous carbon with graphitic domains. PtRu/C electrocatalysts (carbon-supported PtRu nanoparticles) were prepared by an alcohol-reduction process using Ni/Carbon as support. The materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and tested as anodes in single direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The performances of PtRu/C electrocatalysts using Ni/Carbon as support were superior to those obtained for PtRu/C using commercial carbon black Vulcan XC72 as support.

The corrosion resistance and semiconducting properties of the oxide film formed on the AZ91D alloy were evaluated. The alloy was tested in the as-cast condition and after a solution annealing treatment. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and potentiodynamic polarization curves were obtained in a H3BO3 (0.05 M) + Na2B4O7⋅10H2O (0.075 M) solution with pH = 9.2 at room temperature. The semiconducting properties of the oxide film were evaluated using Mott–Schottky plots. The corrosion resistance of the AZ91D was reduced after the solution treatment while the semiconducting properties of the passive films were little affected.

Nanostructured coatings have been used to protect components exposed to severe service conditions. High energy milling is widely used to produce nanocrystalline feedstock of coating materials such as chromium carbide and tungsten carbide. This paper presents the structural and thermodynamic properties of Cr3C2–25(Ni20Cr) powders that were high energy milled for different times. During the high energy milling of Cr3C2–25(Ni20Cr) powder, severe plastic deformation takes place. A small part of the energy spent in this process is stored in the crystal lattice as deformation energy. The crystallite size and microstrain in nanocrystalline Cr3C2–25(Ni20Cr) powders milled for different times were determined by X-ray diffraction measurements. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) studies of the milled powders revealed a broad transformation, characteristic of a large exothermic reaction in the nanostructured powder. The enthalpy variation measured by DSC permitted determination of the deformation energy stored in the Cr3C2–25(Ni20Cr) powders milled for different times. These measurements also enabled calculation of the specific heat variation of the milled powders.

Ni/Carbon hybrids were prepared by hydrothermal carbonization at 200 ºC for 48 h using glucose as carbon source, NiCl2.6H2O as oxidizing agent and catalyst of the carbonization process. The materials were prepared in the absence and in the presence of cetyltrimetylammoniun bromide (CTAB) using an CTAB:glucose molar ratios of 1:10. The obtained carbonaceous materials were further treated at 900 ºC under Argon and PtRu nanoparticles were deposited on these materials using an alcohol reduction process. The resulting PtRu/C electrocatalysts were characterized by EDX, thermogravimetrics analysis, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy and they were tested for methanol electro-oxidation using chronoamperometry. The PtRu/C electrocatalyst prepared using as support Ni/Carbon with CTAB showed superior performance for methanol electro-oxidation.

PtRu/carbon hybrid materials were prepared by hydrothermal carbonization using starch as carbon source and reducing agent and H2PtCl6.6H2O and RuCl3.xH2O as metal sources of the carbonization process. The materials were prepared in the following conditions: without pH adjustment, in the absence and in the presence of tetrapropylammonium chloride, and adjusting the pH using potassium hydroxide or tetrapropylammonium hydroxide. The as-synthesized materials were further treated under argon atmosphere at 900 °C and characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, BET isotherm, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and cyclic voltammetry. The electrooxidation of methanol was studied by chronoamperometry. The addition of tetrapropylammonium ion promoted an increase in surface area and total pore volume while the alkaline medium favored smaller particle sizes. The material prepared using tetrapropylammonium hydroxide showed the best electroactivity for methanol electrooxidation compared to others obtained materials.

Stainless steel (SS) powders are used in the preparation of sintered SS products. One of the applications of sintered SS products is as filters in the petrochemical and food processing industries. In these industries, the SS filters are subject to severe conditions associated with the removal of solid particles from the fluid. Hence, SS filters should have adequate mechanical strength and high corrosion resistance. Welding can be used to manufacture SS filters. In this study, sintered AISI 316L specimens were welded using the TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) process. The weld joints were examined by optical microscopy and by scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical polarization measurements were carried out to evaluate the influence of welding on the corrosion resistance of sintered filters.

PtRuNi/C electrocatalysts with 20 wt% metals loading and Pt:Ru:Ni atomic ratio of 50:40:10 were prepared by an alcohol-reduction process. The electrocatalysts were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The electro-oxidation of methanol was studied in sulfuric acid solution by chronoamperometry. It was found that when the initial pH of the reaction medium was acidic, only Pt(IV) and Ru(III) ions were reduced, while the reduction of Ni(II) ions did not take place. Changing the pH of the reaction medium by addition of OH − ions resulted in the reduction of Pt(IV), Ru(III) and Ni(II) ions, which crystallized in the face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. This was observed for OH − /metals ratios ≥6, however, under these conditions the metals loading on the carbon support was only half the nominal value. The PtRuNi/C electrocatalyst prepared with OH − /metals = 6 showed superior performance for methanol oxidation at room temperature compared to commercial PtRu/C electrocatalyst.

Pt/C, PtRu/C, PtBi/C, and PtRuBi/C electrocatalysts (20 wt.% metal loading) were prepared by borohydride reduction using H2PtCl6·6H2O, RuCl3·xH2O, and Bi(NO3)3·5H2O as metal sources and Vulcan XC 72 as support. The electrocatalysts were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The electro-oxidation of ethanol was studied in sulfuric acid solution by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The electrochemical studies showed that PtRuBi/C (50:40:10) electrocatalyst has superior performance for ethanol electro-oxidation at room temperature compared to the other electrocatalysts. Preliminary tests at 100 °C on a single direct ethanol fuel cell also confirm the results obtained by electrochemical techniques.

PtRu/C electrocatalysts were prepared by hydrothermal carbonization process using starch as carbon sources and reducing agents and platinum and ruthenium salts as catalysts of carbonization process and metals source. pH of the reaction medium was adjusted using KOH or TPAOH (tetrapropylammonium hydroxide). The obtained PtRu/C electrocatalysts were characterized by SEM/EDX, TGA, XRD and cyclic voltammetry. The electro-oxidation of methanol was studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The PtRu/C electrocatalyst prepared using TPAOH was more active for methanol electro-oxidation than the material prepared with KOH.

Cr3C2-NiCr coatings have been used for corrosion and wear resistant applications. In the last decade, thermal sprayed coatings using nanostructured feed stock of other materials has exhibited higher hardness, strength and corrosion resistance. Hence, it is anticipated that nanostructured Cr3C2-NiCr coatings will also exhibit these properties and therefore posses improved performance characteristics. Preparation of nanostructured feed stock powders is the first step in the synthesis of nanostructured coatings and mechanical milling is an effective process to obtain the powders. Preliminary studies in which commercial Cr3C2-NiCr powders were milled in hexane and gaseous nitrogen revealed that particle and crystallite size were significantly smaller in powders milled in nitrogen. This paper presents the effect of hexane content and milling parameters on Cr3C2-Ni20Cr powder characteristics. Use of just sufficient hexane as the milling media reduced significantly the particle and crystallite sizes.

Pitting corrosion of the aluminium cladding of spent nuclear fuels stored in light water pools has been observed. To prevent this, coating of the Al cladding with hydrotalcite (HTC) was proposed. This paper presents the effect of chemical bath and processing parameters on microstructure and corrosion behavior of HTC coatings on alloy AA 6061 specimens. The HTC coating from the high temperature nitrate bath was homogeneous, thicker and consisted of well-defined intersecting platelets than that formed from the room temperature carbonate bath. Electrochemical polarization tests carried out with HTC coated AA 6061 specimens in 0.01 M NaCl revealed that specimens coated with HTC from the nitrate bath and further treated in a cerium salt solution were the most resistant to corrosion. Field tests in which un-coated and coated AA 6061 alloy coupons as well as full-size plates were exposed to the IEA-R1 reactor's spent fuel basin for duration of up to 14 months further corroborated the high corrosion resistance imparted by the high temperature HTC + Ce coating. The mechanism by which the HTC coating and cerium protect the Al alloy is discussed.

The erosion-oxidation (E-O) behavior of high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) sprayed Ni20Cr alloy as well as WC and Cr3C2 cermet coatings on a steel substrate were studied. The E-O tests were carried out in a rig with specimen assemblies that were rotated through a fluidized bed of erodent particles in the temperature range 500-850°C and with erodent impact velocities of 2.5-19.5 ms-1. Alumina powder (~200Am) was used as the erodent. The E-O resistance of the coatings was determined as wastage, as a function of temperature. The three coatings did not exhibit any significant change in E-O at temperatures up to 500-600°C. At higher temperatures, wastage increased with temperature, reached a maximum at 700°C and then decreased with further increase in temperature. Different E-O regimes were identified. The specimen surfaces were examined in a scanning electron microscope and their roughness determined. E-O maps have been drawn that define conditions under which the coatings undergo low, moderate and severe wastage.

Particle reinforced metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings have been developed due to property combinations such as increased hardness, high creep/fatigue resistance as well as superior wear and oxidation resistance. MMC coatings can be produced by various techniques, which include powder metallurgy (plasma spray and HVOF processes), liquid metal processes and electrodeposition. This paper presents the development of the electrodeposition process to obtain nickel-alumina composites. The process conditions were optimized and based on these gradient nickel-alumina composites were prepared. Microstructural characterization and hardness determinations were carried out. The effect of process parameters on the amount and distribution of alumina particles as well as morphology of the deposits with and without alumina gradients are presented and discussed.

The oxidation and erosion–oxidation (E–O) behaviour of high velocity oxy fuel sprayed Ni–20Cr alloy as well as WC and Cr3C2 cermet coatings on a steel substrate were studied. The E–O tests were carried out in a rig with specimen assemblies that were rotated through a fluidized bed of erodent particles in the temperature range 500–850°C and with erodent impact velocities of 2·5– 19·5 m s−1. Alumina powder (∼200 μm) was used as the erodent. The oxidation behaviour of the coatings was determined gravimetrically. The Ni–20Cr and Cr3C2–25(Ni–20Cr) coatings showed significantly higher oxidation resistance than the WC–20Cr–7Ni coating, especially at temperatures above 800°C. The E–O resistance of the coatings was determined by wastage, as a function of temperature. The three coatings did not show any significant change in E–O at temperatures up to 500–600°C. At higher temperatures, wastage increased with temperature, reached a maximum at 700°C and then decreased with further increase in temperature. Diff...

This study investigates the in vitro corrosion and cytotoxicity response of AISI 316L stainless steel produced by powder injection molding (PIM) technology in a solution that simulates physiological fluids (MEM) by electrochemical techniques and neutral red uptake cytotoxicity assay. The results were compared with those of AISI 316L produced by conventional metallurgy. Both steels showed high corrosion resistance and no toxic effect in the cytotoxicity test. The corrosion products were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The surfaces of the alloys were evaluated before and after corrosion test by scanning electron microscopy and a passive behaviour was indicated supporting the results from other techniques.

Nickel containing alloys have been widely used as substrates for the manufacture of studs used for ear piercing. Unfortunately, nickel has also been related to the development of allergic contact dermatitis caused by skin sensitization due to Ni 2+ ions. Nickel ions can be leached out into the body fluids due to corrosion reactions. Defect free coatings are very difficult to produce, and therefore nickel free materials should be used as substrates of ear piercing studs, although the commercial alloys used usually contain this element. In this study, the corrosion resistance of two kinds of commercial studs prepared with nickel containing substrates and a titanium laboratory made stud was determined in a culture medium. The corrosion resistance of the studs was investigated by means of potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a function of immersion time in the culture medium. The elements that leached out into the medium due to corrosion reactions were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The surfaces of the commercial gold-coated studs were examined by scanning electron microscopy and analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy, both before and after exposure to the culture medium. The cytotoxicity of the tested studs was also determined in the culture medium.

In this investigation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to compare the corrosion resistance presented by two gold-coated commercial studs used for ear piercing, and produced using nickel containing substrate alloys, with that exhibited by a laboratory-made titanium stud in a cell culture medium. The aim was to evaluate Ti as a potential material for the manufacture of ear piercing studs. Scanning electron microscopy examination of the coating defects on the two commercial studs, both before and after their exposure to the culture medium, have shown the establishment of a corrosion process. Instrumental neutron activation analysis results of the culture medium after 10 days of contact with the commercial studs have shown the presence of nickel among the alloying elements leached out from the surfaces of the studs in spite of the high corrosion resistance exhibited by one of them. EIS has been demonstrated to be a sensitive technique, not only to rank the corrosion resistance of the studs, but also to detect some features of the corrosion process, like pore blocking and oxide layer structure. From the results it was concluded that Ti is a candidate material for ear piercing studs due not only to its high corrosion resistance, but also to its non-cytotoxicity and the absence of nickel in the stud composition.

This paper describes corrosion studies in simulated acid rain environments carried out on AISI 316L and 17-4PH stainless steel specimens prepared by powder injection moulding. Corrosion characterization was carried out using a cyclic salt spray test to accelerate the effects of corrosion caused by acid rain. This consisted of wetting and drying cycles using a solution of composition typical of acid rain found in a polluted urban atmosphere. The solution used was concentrated to accelerate corrosion. The results were compared to results from literature for salt spray testing (ASTM B117). In addition, polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were performed in the same solution used in the cyclic salt spray test. The results showed that AISI 316L and 17-4PH steels produced by PIM technology are very resistant to corrosion in acid rain environments. Inspection of the surfaces of these steels revealed no corrosion products after 2600 hours of cyclic testing in simulated acid rain solution. Polarization and EIS results in the same solution, indicated a passive state and no pitting tendency of both steels in the test environment.

Ni20Cr+WC composites with a gradient in the volume fraction of hard WC particles are ideal materials for applications where high temperature oxidation and erosion resistance are desired properties. The WC particles impart erosion resistant and the Cr content of the alloy, oxidation resistance. This paper presents the influence of WC particle content and consequently the extent of densification, on the oxidation behavior of hot pressed Ni20Cr+WC composites. Oxidation measurements in the range 700-1000°C revealed overall parabolic behavior. The increase in oxidation rate with WC content has been attributed to formation of islands of WO 3 globules protruding through the Cr 2 O 3 .

Localized corrosion attack is known to take a preponderant role in the onset of stress corrosion cracking of pipeline steels in high pH conditions. Carbonate/bicarbonate solutions can be employed to study the localized corrosion behavior of these materials. In addition to the presence of chloride ions in the electrolyte, the solution temperature is also of prime importance to the onset of pitting corrosion. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the testing temperature on the corrosion behavior of the API 5L X70 pipeline steel which is a standard material for gas pipelines in Brazil. Samples were exposed to a solution consisting of Na2CO3, NaHCO3 and NaCl at three different temperatures: room temperature, 40 oC and 60 oC. The corrosion morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that pitting corrosion became facilitated when the steel was immersed at higher temperatures.