ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To explore whether the commercial agents recommended for controlling dental biofilm formation had a significant effect in vivo on mechanical and corrosion properties of nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NiTi archwires (dimensions 0.508 × 0.508 mm) were collected from 36 orthodontic patients aged 13-42 years after a 3-month intraoral exposure. Three experimental groups were formed: (1) subjects conducting regular oral hygiene, (2) subjects who used fluorides for intensive prophylaxis for the first month, and (3) subjects who used chlorhexidine in the same manner. Corrosion behavior, surface characteristics, stiffness, hardness, and friction were analyzed. RESULTS: Exposure to intraoral conditions significantly reduced the stiffness and hardness of the NiTi alloy (P ≤ .015). Fluoride tended to reduce stiffness and hardness more than did saliva or antiseptic, but not significantly. Roughness and friction were not significantly influenced by oral exposure. Intraoral aging predominantly produced general corrosion independent of the adjuvant prophylactic agent, although localized corrosion may also have occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorides and the antiseptic chlorhexidine do not increase corrosion more than saliva itself, nor do they further modify the mechanical properties of the NiTi alloy.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents, Local , Nickel , Corrosion , Dental Alloys , Fluorides , Humans , Materials Testing , Orthodontic Appliances , Orthodontic Wires , Surface Properties , TitaniumABSTRACT
The aim of this work is to examine the possibility of CuNi protection in chloride media by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of stearic acid (SA). In order to obtain a compact, well ordered monolayer, that will provide long term protection, different SAM preparation procedures are studied. The influence of CuNi pretreatment, SA solution temperature and temperature of the drying period followed after the SA treatment on the protective properties of stearic acid self-assembled layer are examined by electrochemical methods and surface analysis techniques. The obtained results show that for complete self-assembled film formation it is necessary to have a drying period after exposing the sample to the stearic acid solution. Heating of the SA solution and drying period at higher temperatures result in layers with better stability in chloride media. The most compact surface layer, that provides long lasting and efficient protection to the underlying alloy, is obtained when prior to SA solution exposure an oxide layer on CuNi surface was formed at elevated temperatures.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of various coating formulations on the mechanical and corrosion properties of nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic wires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Uncoated, rhodium-coated, and nitrified NiTi wires were observed with a three-point-bend test, surface roughness (Ra) measurement, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and electrochemical testing (open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic polarization scan). Differences in the properties of tested wire types were analyzed with analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: Uncoated and nitrified NiTi wires showed similar mechanical and anticorrosive properties, while rhodium-coated NiTi wires showed the highest Ra and significantly higher modulus of elasticity, yield strength, and delivery of forces during loading but not in unloading. Rhodium-coated NiTi wires also had the highest corrosion current density and corrosion potential, lowest impedance modulus, and two time constants on Bode plot, one related to the Rh/Au coating and the other to underlying NiTi. CONCLUSION: Working properties of NiTi wires were unaffected by various coatings in unloading. Nitrification improved corrosion resistance. Rhodium coating reduced corrosion resistance and pronounced susceptibility to pitting corrosion in artificial saliva because of galvanic coupling between the noble coating and the base alloy.
