Material Degradation and Microbial Retention in Reusable Nail Tools and Abrasive Surface

Abstract

The present study is oriented toward a comprehensive investigation of the physicochemical degradation of structural materials used in reusable manicure instruments, as well as toward elucidating the mechanisms of pathogenic microflora accumulation on abrasive surfaces under intensive operation combined with cyclic sterilization. The objective is to establish a correlational relationship between the morphological transformation of working surfaces, reflecting the degree of degradation, and the effectiveness of antimicrobial processing, concurrently with a materials science substantiation of the advantages of specialized filing techniques. The methodological framework is formed by a systematic review of current data for 2024 -2025, by a comparative analysis of the corrosion resistance of martensitic steels, and by an assessment of bacterial adhesion using scanning electron microscopy. The results obtained indicate that exceeding the threshold of five autoclaving cycles is associated with the development of critical steel depassivation and a decrease in abrasive capability by approximately 40%, which creates prerequisites for the formation of microbial biofilms within caverns arising in the wear zone. It is demonstrated that the proprietary SlimEdge 45° technique provides a more rational distribution of mechanical load, as a consequence of which the rate of degradational processes decreases and the level of biological safety of the procedure increases. The formulated conclusions confirm attainment of the stated objective regarding identification of wear factors and development of practice oriented recommendations for the operation of high technology instrumentation, representing significance for the engineering design of medical equipment, for the expert community of the beauty industry, and for infection control specialists.