Surface Treatment of NiTi Shape Memory Alloys used in Dentistry

Abstract

Ni/Ti shape memory alloys samples (SMAs) were prepared by powder metallurgy technique . A low power portable spot pulses unit was used for improving surface characteristics and (as an attempt to evaluate the feasibility of using it as an alternative for the conventional , huge , and costly laser equipment) . Its power was only (1/3) of the large unit . Several tests were conducted , such as , corrosion resistance , wear behaviour , Ni-ion release , hardness , and metallography . Significant improvements were observed in surface properties which may have substantial impact on numerous dental applications and probably secure important position in surface engineering of metal and alloys . The corrosion current , Ni-ion release , and volume of wear of the spot pulse Laser treated surface were (4.5 % , 17 % , and 20 %) respectively with respect to the reference sample . An improvement of 481 % in Microhardness of the 532 nm laser treated with respect to the reference . No microcracks were detected in any surface treated sample. The weight loss during wear test was almost zero within the test period.