The electrochemical behavior and surface analysis of Ti50Ni47.2Co2.8 alloy for orthodontic use

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the electrochemical behavior of Ti50Ni47.2Co2.8 alloy in deaerated artificial saliva solutions with binary NiTi alloy as reference and to characterize the composition and structure of the passive film after polarization tests. Methods The corrosion behavior of NiTiCo alloy was systematically studied by open circuit potential, potentiodynamic and potentiostatic techniques. The surface characterization after anodic polarization tests were demonstrated by XPS. The electrolytes were maintained at 37 °C by immersing the test cell in water bath. 500 mV vs. SCE was applied on the samples for potentiostatic tests. The metal ions concentration was measured by ICP/OES. Results Potentiodynamic and potentiostatic tests results showed that the corrosion behavior of NiTiCo was similar to that of NiTi alloy. With the increase of pH value of the electrolytes, both corrosion potential (Ecorr) and pitting corrosion potential (Eb) decreased. XPS results revealed that the outmost passive film consisted mainly of TiO2 which were identical with that of NiTi alloy. The Ni ion release amount of NiTiCo was very close to that of NiTi alloy as examined by ICP/OES. Neither Ti nor Co ion was detected due to the detection limitation. Significance The corresponding relationship between corrosion behavior and pH value of the artificial saliva should be taken into consideration during the application of orthodontic wires. The addition of Co had little effect on the corrosion behavior of NiTi as well as the formation of the passive film.