Metallurgical and electrochemical characterization of contemporary silver-based soldering alloys

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the microstructure, hardness, and electrochemical behavior of four contemporary Ag-based soldering alloys used for manufacturing orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: The Ag-based alloys tested were Dentaurum Universal Silver Solder (DEN), Orthodontic Solders (LEO), Ortho Dental Universal Solder (NOB), and Silver Solder (ORT). Five disk-shaped specimens were produced for each alloy, and after metallographic preparation their microstructural features, elemental composition, and hardness were determined by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Vickers hardness testing. The electrochemical properties were evaluated by anodic potentiodynamic scanning in 0.9% NaCl and Ringer's solutions. Hardness, corrosion current (Icorr), and corrosion potential (Ecorr) were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α  =  .05). Results: EDX analysis showed that all materials belong to the Ag-Zn-Cu ternary system. Three different mean atomic contrast phases were identified for LEO and ORT and two for DEN and NOB. According to XRD analysis, all materials consisted of Ag-rich and Cu-rich face-centered cubic phases. Hardness testing classified the materials in descending order as follows: DEN, 155 ± 3; NOB, 149 ± 3; ORT, 141 ± 4; and LEO, 136 ± 8. Significant differences were found for Icorr of NOB in Ringer's solution and Ecorr of DEN in 0.9% NaCl solution. Conclusion: Ag-based soldering alloys demonstrate great diversity in their elemental composition, phase size and distribution, hardness, and electrochemical properties. These differences may anticipate variations in their clinical performance.