Hemijska Industrija (Jan 2018)

EDX analyisis of metal-ceramic interfaces of recasted nickel-chromium dental alloys

  • Stefanović Vladimir B.,
  • Lazić Zoran R.,
  • Mirković Nemanja J.,
  • Taso Ervin E.,
  • Simeunović Nenad M.,
  • Nešić Jovica Z.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2298/HEMIND180103009S
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 72, no. 3
pp. 149 – 156

Abstract

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This research was performed to establish recasting effects of nickel-chromium dental alloys on the composition of their metal-ceramic interface in making fixed partial dentures. The metal-ceramic interface determines denture functional integrity and prevents damages on ceramics during mastication. Recycling of nickel-chromium alloys is often a practice, without detailed knowledge about possible effects on the composition of the metal-ceramic interface. Investigation of metal-ceramic samples is intended to show if base metal alloys for metal-ceramics are successfully recycled without any composition change in the metal-ceramic interface. The research was performed as an experimental study in which six metal-ceramic samples of nickel-chromium alloy “Wiron 99” (Bego, Germany) were made. Alloy residues were recycled through twelve casting generations with the addition of 50 wt% of the new alloy on the occasion of every recasting. EDX analysis was performed by using the “Inca X Sight” apparatus (Oxford Instruments, UK) and a SEM device JSM 6460 LV (JEOL, Japan). This appliance was used in conjunction with the PC software for quantification of chemical elements in order to determine the composition of metal-ceramic interfaces. Results of this research revealed significant differences between compositions of metal-ceramic interfaces in every examined recycle generation. Recasting had a negative effect on alloy components, which concentration is decreasing in the metal-ceramic junction zone. The concentration of cerium in the intermediate phase decreased the most, followed by concentrations of niobium, molybdenum, nickel and chromium. Results showed a permanent reduction of metal components up to the 12th generation of recycling. Cerium concentration (wt%) decreased from 28 to 16.26 %, nickel concentration from 3.31 to 1.82 % and chromium concentration from 2.95 to 2.03 %. Similarly, the molybdenum content decreased from 8.71to 4.68 wt%, while that of niobium from 9.82 to 3.97 wt%. Therefore, recasting of nickel-chromium alloys is not recommended because of changed composition of the metal-ceramic interface of these alloys.

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