Influence of electrolytic treatment time on the corrosion resistance of Ni-Ti orthodontic wire

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of electrolytic treatment, which can improve the corrosion resistance of Ni-Ti orthodontic wires, to minimize adverse effects. Electrolytic treatment of Ni-Ti wires was performed in a solution composed of glycerol and lactic acid for 5, 15, or 30 min. The anodic polarization test, three-point bending test, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis of the wire surface were performed to explore an optimal treatment condition. Breakdown potentials of treated wires increased with increasing treatment time and higher corrosion resistance was obtained by performing the electrolytic treatment for more than 5 min. The relative concentration of nickel in the layer was decreased in inverse proportion to the treatment time. The results suggest that the commercial Ni-Ti wire with low corrosion resistance can be improved by the electrolytic treatment for more than 5 min.