Neutron activation analysis of corrosion products from gold coated ear piercing studs

Neutron activation analysis was applied to the determination of elements Au, Cr, Fe, Ni and Zn released in NaCl solution and in a culture medium in which gold coated studs were immersed for corrosion tests. The coating defects and corrosion effects on the stud surfaces were studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. The cytotoxicity assay of culture medium from corrosion test showed toxicity in a culture of mammalian cells.