Susceptibility to tribocorrosion degradation of 304 L stainless steel from dental structures in biological solution

In the case of metallic orthodontic brackets-archwires, the interactions between corrosion and wear are related to the conditions existing during the orthodontic therapy. The archwires are subjected simultaneously to an elec-trochemical attack by the oral environment and a mechanical sliding along with the brackets, which may destroy their protective surface film. To highlight the susceptibility to tribocorrosive behavior of AISI 304 L stainless steel, used in orthodontics, the tribocorrosion in sliding contact is performed in biological solution monitoring in -situ electrochemical and mechanical parameters. Friction corrosion or tribocorrosion affects the degradation process as well as the re-passivation of the tested material.

Automated summary

The interactions between corrosion and wear in metallic orthodontic brackets-archwires depend on the conditions during orthodontic therapy. The simultaneous electrochemical attack and mechanical sliding can damage the protective surface film. The sensitivity of AISI 304 L stainless steel used in orthodontics to tribocorrosive behavior is demonstrated through friction corrosion experiments.