Corrosion resistance assessment of Co-Cr alloy frameworks fabricated by CAD/CAM milling, laser sintering, and casting methods.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The effects of fabrication methods on the corrosion resistance of frameworks produced with Co-Cr alloys are not clear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the electrochemical corrosion resistance of Co-Cr alloy specimens that were fabricated by conventional casting, milling, and laser sintering.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The specimens fabricated with 3 different methods were investigated by potentiodynamic tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in an artificial saliva. Ions released into the artificial saliva were estimated with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and the results were statistically analyzed. The specimen surfaces were investigated with scanning electron microscopy before and after the tests.

RESULTS

In terms of corrosion current and Rct properties, statistically significant differences were found both among the means of the methods and among the means of the material groups (P<.05). With regard to ions released, a statistically significant difference was found among the material groups (P<.05); however, no difference was found among the methods. Scanning electron microscopic imaging revealed that the specimens produced by conventional casting were affected to a greater extent by etching and electrochemical corrosion than those produced by milling and laser sintering.

CONCLUSIONS

The corrosion resistance of a Co-Cr alloy specimens fabricated by milling or laser sintering was greater than that of the conventionally cast alloy specimens. The Co-Cr specimens produced by the same method also differed from one another in terms of corrosion resistance. These differences may be related to the variations in the alloy compositions.