Influence of oxygen, albumin and pH on copper dissolution in a simulated uterine fluid.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to study the influence of albumin content, from 5 to 45 g/L, on copper dissolution and compounds composition in a simulated uterine solution.


METHODS
Experiments were performed in atmospheric pressure conditions and with an additional oxygen pressure of 0.2 atmospheres, at 6.3 and 8.0 pH values, and at a temperature of 37 +/- 0.1 degrees C for 1, 3, 7, and 30 days experimentation time.


RESULTS
The copper dissolution rate has been determined using absorbance measurements, finding the highest value for pH 8.0, 35 g/L albumin, and with an additional oxygen pressure of 0.2 atmospheres: 674 microg/day for 1 day, and 301 microg/day for 30 days. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show copper(II) as the main copper oxidation state at pH 8.0; and copper(I) and metallic copper at pH 6.3.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of albumin up to 35 g/L, accelerates copper dissolution. For high albumin content a stabilisation on the copper dissolution takes place. Corrosion product layer morphology is poorly protective, showing paths through which copper ions can release.
Bastidas
D M
DM
School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK.
Cano
E
E
Mora
E M
EM
D000418:Albumins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D010100:Oxygen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis
D000418:Albumins; D003300:Copper; D010100:Oxygen