Experimental study regarding the behavior at different pH of two types of Co-Cr alloys used for prosthetic restorations

Abstract

Cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys are widely utilized in dentistry. The salivary pH is a significant factor, which affects the characteristics and the behavior of dental alloys through corrosion. This study aimed to evaluate the corrosion behavior in artificial saliva with different pH values (3, 5.7, and 7.6) of two commercial Co-Cr dental alloys manufactured by casting and by milling. Corrosion resistance was determined by the polarization resistance technique, and the tests were carried out at 37 ± 1 °C, in Carter Brugirard artificial saliva. After the electrochemical parameters, it can be stated that the cast Co-Cr alloy has the lowest corrosion current density, the highest polarization resistance, and the lowest speed of corrosion in artificial saliva with pH = 7.6. In the case of milled Co-Cr alloy, the same behavior was observed, but in artificial saliva with pH = 5.7, it recorded the most electropositive values of open circuit potential and corrosion potential. Although both cast and milled Co-Cr alloys presented a poorer corrosion resistance in artificial saliva with a more acidic pH value, the milled Co-Cr alloy had better corrosion behavior, making this alloy a better option for the prosthetic treatment of patients suffering from GERD.