Corrosion of a stainless steel with low nickel content under static conditions.

The pattern of selective release of chromium, iron and molybdenum from a non-prepassivated ferritic stainless steel, with the designation SS 2326 and a nickel content of 0.3%, has been measured in artificial saliva under static conditions using nuclear tracer and ESCA techniques. The ICP-method was used to detect nickel which was found only in one case. The release rate of chromium, iron and molybdenum showed a strong time-dependent decrease as a consequence of chromium enrichment in the surface. This was shown by ESCA-measurements. This kinetics is characteristic for a passivating alloy i.e. self passivation. In view of the low nickel content of the SS 2326 steel compared to conventional stainless steel, the material may possess potential for use as a dental or orthopaedic biomaterial.