INVESTIGATING THE CORROSION INHIBITION EFFICIENCY OF SURGICAL CARBON STEEL INSTRUMENTS USED IN MEDICAL FIELD

Abstract

The corrosion inhibition efficiency of Triton X 100 in controlling surgical carbon steel instrument corrosion in well water has been analysed by weight loss method. Mechanistic aspects of corrosion inhibition efficiency have been studied by Polarization and AC impedance measurements. The formulation consisting of 200 ppm of Triton X 100 and 50 ppm of Zn 2+ provides 84 % corrosion inhibition efficiency. A synergistic effect exists between the surfactant Triton X 100 and Zn 2+. Polarization study confirms that Triton X 100-Zn 2+ system functions as a mixed type of inhibitor. AC impedance spectra shows that a protective film is formed on the carbon steel surface. Cyclic voltammetry data confirms the stability of the protective film in presence of 3.5% NaCl solution. FTIR spectra reveals that the protective film consists of Triton X 100-Fe 2+ complex and Zn(OH)2. SEM, EDX, data indicate the possibility of formation of protective layer on the metal surface. FTIR spectra confirms the formation of protective film on the metal surface. AFM study reveals the surface morphology and gives the information of the thickness of the protective film. Contact angle measurement confirms the hydrophobic nature of the protective film formed on the carbon steel surface.