Department - Author 1
Materials Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Materials Engineering
Date
6-2012
Primary Advisor
Trevor Harding
Abstract/Summary
This study evaluates the potential effects of silver salts on biocompatible metals used for prostheses during the chemical reduction process to produce a silver antimicrobial layer on the metal’s surface. Samples of two biocompatible metals were obtained: Stainless Steel 316L and ASTM F75 Cobalt Chromium Alloy. Three different silver salts were also acquired: silver nitrate, silver sulfadiazine, and silver chloride. Specimens of each metal were cut to size using a 4-1/2 inch aluminum oxide, 40 grit, cut off wheel for metal, attached to a Dewalt Angle Grinder. The biocompatible metal samples were then subject to either Solution 1, water with 10.0 mg of silver salt per liter of water, or Solution 2, water with 20.0 mg of silver salt per liter of water. Some samples were left untreated for comparison. The samples were removed from the solution after 5 days, rinsed, and examined using SEM. From these images, the corrosion of the metal, the increase in corrosion associated with the increase in silver salt concentration, as well as the differences between each of the metal and salt solution combinations was observed. These images can be found in the Results section of this report.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/matesp/27