Analysis of the DC01 Steel's Surface Depending on the Resistance to Corrosion and the Adhesion of Metallic Layers to the Metal Structure of Medical Equipment

Abstract

The dissertation focused on the analysis of surface layer of steel substrate and metallic coatings applied to DC01 and RSt37-2 NBK steel, as well as the corrosion resistance of the applied coatings. Selected research materials, DC 01 and RSt37 2 NBK, are very often used in the manufacture of medical equipment such as rehabilitation beds, trolleys, surgical tables, screens and bedside cabinets. Observations made in units of health care, permit the conclusion that the construction elements of the medical equipment are protected by paint coatings as well as metallic nickel-chrome coatings. During long-term operating and maintaining of aseptic medical equipment there is a significant reduction in the corrosion resistance of galvanized coatings. It particularly relates to areas with difficult accessibility where cleaning, despite the use of aggressive disinfectants, is not easy. These areas often contain residues of food, drink, expectoration as well as blood. All these factors have a devastating impact on the protective coating, leading to the appearance of corrosion. The research revealed that corrosion is a favorable condition for the deposition of dangerous bacteria and fungi. Therefore, the study selected standard protective coatings (nickel-nickel-chromium, nickel-chromium) as well as antibacterial properties, nickel-copper and copper without a sublayer. The research focused mainly on the properties of selected anti-corrosive galvanic coatings. The results allow for a better choice of the protective coating when designing medical equipment in terms of protection against corrosion and bacteria. The object of research was the bed rehabilitation, where local corrosion was found. The corrosion products contain a many elements indicating the cause of the destruction of the coating. The identified elements calcium, chlorine, potassium, carbon, sodium, aluminum, magnesium, sulfur, are components of body fluids blood, saliva, of meals remnants, but also of disinfectants Conducted observations exploited medical equipment in hospital conditions confirmed the existence of this type of pollution on protective coatings. The appearance of corrosion is also a health hazard or even life threatening to patients with reduced immune resistance. Because it has been shown that corrosion is a good place for locating dangerous strains of bacteria and fungi. The application of metallic coatings with a surface layer of copper of a high gloss and low coefficient of roughness will increase corrosion resistance. The application of a coating of a surface layer of copper will contribute significantly to the decreases in the number of people hospitalized who are re-infected in hospitals. Copper has antibacterial properties, which ensure the maintenance of medical equipment in aseptic conditions. The applications of protective coatings with very low coefficient of roughness enable longer life medical equipment. Light of the foregoing selecting a coating of nickel-copper is the best solution for the protection of medical equipment from corrosion and also an excellent antibacterial protection in the context of protection of human health of hospitalized.