Liberação de níquel em ligas de aço niquelado utilizadas em encordoamentos de guitarras elétricas

Abstract

There is a great interest in nickel usage due to its versatility, high heat resistance and high corrosion resistance on a wide range of mediums. However, the popularization of its application brought consequences due to its moderated allergenic potential. The nickel is present in some of the most popular alloys used in electric guitar strings. Due to its constant contact with the skin, that can bring some risks to the user’s health. The present work’s objective was the analysis of nickel usage in this application. Through experiments that aimed to simulate the usage conditions of the strings, it was possible to measure and evaluate the nickel release. Artificial sweat solutions with similar characteristics to physiologic sweat were used to recreate those conditions. Using a atomic absorption spectrometer, the nickel release rate was quantified; and through microscopy and metallography, the corrosion and strings structure were observed. The results showed that when the strings are pulled and the test conditions are closer to the usage conditions, the nickel release rate increased considerably, reaching levels that can be dangerous to the user’s health.