Influence of protein migration on the fretting-corrosion behavior of 316 L stainless steel with artificial crevices

Fretting-crevice-corrosion at the modular interface of artificial joints can cause failure of the joint replacement. In this study, long-term fretting crevice corrosion tests of 316 L stainless steel were carried out at the center of an artificial crevice in a saline solution with and without proteins. The results showed that fretting initiated significant crevice corrosion without proteins and corrosion of large areas was observed in the non-contact area inside the crevice. In the presence of proteins, proteins can migrate into the crevice and block the crevice mouth. The enriched proteins had a lubricating effect and inhibited the occurrence of crevice corrosion.