CORROSION RESISTANCE OF COPPER T IN SYNTHETIC UTERINE FLUID (SUF) UNDER EXCESS GLUCOSE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE
Abstract
Copper T is used as a contraceptive. Copper T when inserted inside the uterus is surrounded by uterine fluid. The uterine fluid mainly consists of glucose, chlorides, carbonate and phosphate. In the present study, synthetic uterine fluid (SUF) is used. Corrosion resistance of copper T wire and pure copper wire in uterine fluid in the absence and presence of glucose and sodium chloride solution has been evaluated by AC impedance spectra. It is observed that in the case of both copper T wire and pure copper wire immersed in synthetic uterine fluid (SUF), their corrosion resistance increase in the presence of glucose and in presence of sodium chloride solution. The encouraging negative aspect of the study is that because of the enhancement of corrosion resistance rate, release of copper ions will be reduced. Copper ions act as spermicidal. Thus the spermicidal activity may not be enhanced and birth control is not enhanced. In the present study, corrosion resistance of copper T in SUF has been evaluated by polarization study (Tafcl plots) and AC impedance spectra (Nyquist plots and Bode plots). Influence of excess of glucose and sodium chloride on the corrosion resistance of Copper T has also been investigated. For comparison study, the corrosion resistance of copper has also been investigated under the same experimental conditions. In the uterine fluid environment, copper T releases Cu2+ ions. These Cu2+ ions act as spermicidal. Thus fertilization is barely prevented and hence copper T function as non effective contraceptive.
Author
Ms. K. G. Aashika a, Ms. P. Priya Dharshini b, Mr. V. Bharath c
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