Corrosion of Copper Contraceptive Intrauterine Implants

The results of a study on the corrosion of metallic copper used in the fabrication of contraceptive intrauterine devices (IUDs) are shown. The corrosion behaviour of IUD TCu 380 A and Nova T was evaluated in uterine Synthetic Solution in order to simulate the uterus conditions. The corrosion processes were evaluated by polarisation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) electrochemical techniques. In addition, surface analyses were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the chemical composition of the corrosion products was determined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Copper exposed to the synthetic Solution showed an active corrosion process during the test due to the presence of chloride ions. The formation of a spongy gel corrosion product oil the copper surface was observed in simulated solution and characterized, comparing the different results obtained in the electrochemical tests and surface analysis. The objective of this study is to generate knowledge oil the 1UD's electrochemical corrosion rnechanisms and parameters in order to assure its successful function as a contraceptive.