In vitro corrosion behaviour of MA 956 superalloy.

The need for appropriated metallic materials for long-term implants is nowadays the driving force for the development of alternative materials with improved corrosion resistance in body fluids. In this work the in vitro corrosion behaviour of MA 956 is evaluated by means of electrochemical techniques during long-term tests in simulated human body media. This alloy, after an isothermal treatment at 1100 degrees C, develops on the surface a fine, dense and adherent alpha-alumina scale which considerably enhances the good corrosion resistance of the non-treated alloy.