Assessment of Corrosion Behavior in Artificial Saliva of Wires for Orthodontic Applications

Abstract

The aim of this study, the corrosion behavior of TiNiCu in artificial saliva (pH5.35) at 37°C was assessed by the use of electrochemical methods. Ti50Ni43Cu7 (at%) used in this study were made from ingots prepared by the vacuum arc melting (VAM) method. The furnace was purged with argon gas during melting. All melted ingots were then homogenized at 800°C for 3.6 ks. Open circuit potential (OCP) was monitored at 3.6 ks followed by potentiodynamic techniques. The results showed that all chemical composition of orthodontic wires by EPMA were Ti, Ni, Cu, Cr, Fe and Mn. Surface roughness was measured in order to ensure that TiNiCu and SS was significant difference which might affect corrosion resistance. It was seen that TiNiCu orthodontic wires, presented a good corrosion resistance, compared to the stainless steel, probably due to the formation of a protective oxide film mainly constituted by titanium oxide.