C. P. Warner, W. L. Gore & Associates, Elkton, MD; R. A. Corbett, Corrosion Testing Laboratories, Inc., Newark, DE
The ASTM F2129 test method is a valuable method for determining the susceptibility of small medical implants to localized corrosion. However, one limitation of its current form, particularly at a scan rate of 0.1667mV/sec, is testing time per specimen. Several modifications to the ASTM F2129 method were evaluated for their impact on breakdown potentials, including: scan rates, open circuit hold method and elimination of the 100mV cathodic excursion at the start of the test. Experiments were performed on commercially available stainless steel and nitinol wires.
Summary: Several changes to the ASTM F2129 method are evaluated for their effect on breakdown potentials of stainless steel and nitinol wire samples. The intent of these changes are to reduce testing time while minimizing the impact on the primary test output.
