Effect of laser surface remelting on the corrosion resistance of 316L orthodontic brackets

Abstract

To improve its corrosion resistance from artificial saliva, 316L orthodontic brackets were subjected to surface modification by laser remelting. The experimental results showed that the passive films of 316L orthodontic bracket in artificial saliva have n-type semiconducting properties. The improvement of 316L orthodontic bracket corrosion resistance was found to depend on the laser power. Laser surface remelting decreased the amount of δ second phase in the 316L orthodontic bracket. However, only the appropriate laser power was found to improve its corrosion resistance. Moreover, high laser powers were unable to increase its corrosion resistance. The improved corrosion resistance of 316L orthodontic bracket was attributed to the refinement of its grain sizes and homogenization of its surface elements by laser remelting.