Long-term corrosion studies in vitro of gold, cobalt-chromium, and nickel-chromium alloys in contact

Hybrid framework with cobalt-chromium alloy and gold cylinder for implant superstructure: Bond strength and corrosion resistance

PURPOSE

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate tensile bond strengths and corrosion resistance of CoCr alloys joined with gold cylinder by a soldering system in comparison with the conventional cast-joining system.

METHODS

CoCr alloys joined with gold cylinder by a soldering system using a high-fusing gold solder (CoCr/Solder/Gold cylinder), gold alloy joined with gold cylinder by a cast joining system (Gold alloy/Gold cylinder) and CoCr castings were fabricated. The tensile bond strength and corrosion resistance in 0.9% NaCl solution (pH 7.4 and pH 2.3) were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fractured surface and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) of the joined interfaces were also performed.

RESULTS

The tensile bond strengths of the CoCr/Solder/Gold cylinder specimens showed similar values as the Gold alloy/Gold cylinder specimens. SEM observation and EPMA analyses suggested firm bonding between the CoCr alloy and gold cylinder. The released elements from the CoCr/Solder/Gold cylinder specimens were similar to ones from CoCr castings.

CONCLUSIONS

Results showed that superstructures made of CoCr alloys joined with the gold cylinder using a high-fusing gold solder had sufficient bond strength and high corrosion resistance. These hybrid frameworks with cobalt-chromium alloy and gold cylinder are promising prosthesis for implant superstructures with the low cost and favorable mechanical properties instead of conventional high-gold alloys.

Corrosion considerations in the brazing repair of cobalt-based partial dentures

Cobalt-based alloys (Co-Cr-Mo) are usually used in dentistry as frameworks for removable partial dentures. In their basic form these structures function successfully. However, modifications or repairs of the frameworks may reduce their resistance to corrosion and, as a consequence, may provoke biologic reactions in the soft tissues. These reactions may be the result of different types of alloys that contact each other and, in the presence of saliva (based on potential differences), produce a galvanic cell. In this study, a clinical situation after repair of a removable partial denture was examined. The metallographic study of the prosthesis revealed a brazed zone where a gold braze was joining the Co-Cr-Mo framework with a Co-Cr-Ni type alloy (without Mo). The latter revealed signs of corrosion. Various electrochemical parameters (Ecorr, Ecouple, icorr, icouple) of these alloys were analyzed in the laboratory. The Co-Cr-Ni alloy had the lowest nobility and underwent galvanic corrosion in a galvanic couple with gold braze.

Corrosion properties of soldered joints. Part I: Electrochemical action of dental solder and dental nickel-chromium alloy

The corrosion properties of contact between six Ni-Cr alloys and two dental solders were evaluated. Ni-Cr alloys with low Cr content coupled with silver solder induced continuous galvanic current, whereas Ni-Cr alloys with high Cr and some Mo content coupled with silver or gold solder induced galvanic current for a short time. Six Ni-Cr alloys were divided into two groups according to the dissolution of Ni, one with low resistance and the other with high resistance. The initial equilibrium was induced between high resistance Ni-Cr alloys and both solders by less current density, which implies a smaller degree of corrosive current than that in low-resistance alloys. Corrosion was observed in the silver solder coupled with high-resistance Ni-Cr alloy, but was not found in the gold solder coupled with both alloys. In soldering Ni-Cr alloy, it is better to use a gold solder and a high-resistance Ni-Cr alloy for corrosion resistance.

Metal release from plates used in jaw fracture treatment. A pilot study

This study investigated the occurrence of corrosion associated with the use of metallic implants to stabilize jaw fractures. Three different types of plates, Co-Cr and Ni-Cr alloys and Titanium, were connected in vivo to the mandibular bone surface of monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). The animals were killed after 3 and 6 months. The mucous membrane and bone tissue were analysed for concentrations of Co, Cr, Ni, Mo, Al, and Ti by atomic absorption spectrophometry and a radiochemical neutron activation technique. With the exception of Ti, higher concentrations of all the above elements were found in the tissue near the implants when compared with contralateral controls. However, no signs of corrosion, macroscopic or microscopic, were observed on the surface of the implants.