Electrochemical investigation of steel wire used in cardiologic leaders

The study presents the results of tests of electrochemical corrosion resistance of wires made of stainless steel X10CrNi18-8 for guides used in invasive cardiology. Measurements were made in artificial blood plasma solution by means of electrochemical tests system VoltaLab®PGP201. On the ground of the registered anodic polarisation curves, factors that characterise electrochemical corrosion resistance, i.e.: breakdown potential, polarisation resistance and corrosion current density, have been described. In order to evaluate phenomena that take place on the surface of the tested steel. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was employed. Measurements were made with the measurement system AutoLab PGSTAT 302N equipped with FRA2 (Frequency Response Analyser) module. During the tests, impedance spectra of the system were made and obtained data was matched to the equivalent circuit. Moreover, the effect of strain in the drawing process and the way of wire surface preparation on the resistance to electrochemical corrosion.