Corrosion and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of AISI 316L Stainless Steel Produced by Powder Injection Molding (PIM) Technology

This study investigates the in vitro corrosion and cytotoxicity response of AISI 316L stainless steel produced by powder injection molding (PIM) technology in a solution that simulates physiological fluids (MEM) by electrochemical techniques and neutral red uptake cytotoxicity assay. The results were compared with those of AISI 316L produced by conventional metallurgy. Both steels showed high corrosion resistance and no toxic effect in the cytotoxicity test. The corrosion products were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The surfaces of the alloys were evaluated before and after corrosion test by scanning electron microscopy and a passive behaviour was indicated supporting the results from other techniques.