Effect of pressure of helium, argon, krypton, and xenon on the porosity, microstructure, and mechanical properties of commercially pure titanium castings

Surveillance study on the application of titanium and its alloys to removable dental prostheses

This review describes individual studies of removable dental prostheses, evaluated their performance and clinical applicability for the proposal to expand health insurance coverage of titanium and its alloys to removable dental prostheses. Titanium and its alloys have become clinically applicable as prosthetic materials by improving dental casting systems. They have high biosafety and good mechanical properties, are excellent substitutes for the silver-palladium-gold alloys for casting, and are highly useful for removable dental prostheses. Therefore, the introduction of health insurance coverage for removable dental prostheses made of titanium and its alloys is worthy of consideration.

Carbon Nanotubes Enabled Laser 3D Printing of High-Performance Titanium with Highly Concentrated Reinforcement

Zero- to two-dimensional nanomaterials have been incorporated into metal-matrices to improve the strength of metals, but challengingly, high-volume-fraction nanomaterials are difficult to disperse uniformly in metal matrices, severely degrading the ductility of conventionally processed metals. Here, a considerably dense uniform dispersion of in situ formed nanoscale lamellar TiC reinforcement (16.1 wt %) in Ti matrix is achieved through laser-tailored 3D printing and complete reaction of Ti powder with a small amount (1.0 wt %) of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). An enhanced tensile strength of 912 MPa and an outstanding fracture elongation of 16% are simultaneously achieved for laser-printed components, showing a maximum 350% improvement in "product of strength and elongation" compared with conventional Ti. In situ nanoscale TiC reinforcement favors the formation of ultrafine equiaxed Ti grains and metallurgically coherent interface with minimal lattice misfit between TiC lamellae and Ti matrix. Our approach hopefully provides a feasible way to broaden structural applications of CNTs in load-bearing Ti-based engineering components via laser-tailored reorganization with Ti.

Effect of different firing atmospheres on debonding strength of dental porcelain fused to commercially pure titanium

An in vitro investigation was performed to evaluate the bonding characteristics of porcelain fused to metal (PFM)/commercially pure titanium (cp Ti, grade II) in three firing atmospheres of under vacuum and using two noble gases argon (Ar) and helium (He). Three groups of porcelain veneers firing under vacuum, Ar, and He were prepared to evaluate the bonding of porcelain fused to the cold-rolled cp Ti. The bond strength of PFM durability by a three-point bending test, phases, microhardness of cp Ti after firing processes, and fractures were measured and evaluated. Results show the microhardness of cp Ti in group of porcelain firing under He atmosphere was significantly lower than that of the two other groups, which were in vacuum and Ar (P < .05). X-ray diffraction showed the He group produced in relatively small amounts of TiO₂ and TiO oxides than other groups but featured relatively high quantity of airhole defects in the porcelain body leading to the lowest bond strength. The Ar group presented the highest bond strength of comparing with the groups under vacuum and using He (P < .05). Although the firing processes in He could efficiently prevent the diffusion of oxygen into Ti, the porcelain-cp Ti bond strength using Ar protective atmosphere presented the advantage to achieve clinical requirement because porcelain firing under He revealed prominent voids and defects within the body of porcelain.

Effect of a magnetron-sputtered ZrSiN/ZrO2 film on the bond strength of commercially pure titanium to porcelain

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The excessively thick and nonadherent titanium oxide layer formed during the porcelain sintering process can cause bonding problems between titanium and porcelain.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a magnetron-sputtered ZrSiN/ZrO2 composite film on the bond strength of commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) to porcelain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-eight cast titanium specimens were prepared according to the ISO 9693 standard and then divided into 2 coated and 2 noncoated groups (n=17). The ZrSiN/ZrO2 composite film was deposited on specimens of the 2 coated groups by magnetron sputtering. A low-fusing porcelain was applied on 1 coated group and 1 noncoated group. A surface profilometer, surface roughness tester, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the characteristics of the film and the interfacial properties, while the bond strength of titanium-porcelain specimens was analyzed with the 3-point bend test. The results were analyzed with an independent samples t test (α=.05).

RESULTS

The mean bond strength of ZrSiN/ZrO2-coated CP Ti to porcelain (43.67 ±2.08 MPa) was significantly higher than that of the noncoated group (35.44 ±3.56 MPa). A generally cohesive failure mode was observed in the coated group, but the failure mode in the noncoated group was adhesive. EDS data showed that the ZrSiN/ZrO2 film effectively prevented the intrusion of oxygen into the Ti substrate.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggested that the magnetron-sputtered ZrSiN/ZrO2 film could significantly improve the bond strength of CP Ti to porcelain and this may have clinical significance.

Titanium in dentistry: historical development, state of the art and future perspectives

Titanium is a metallic element known by several attractive characteristics, such as biocompatibility, excellent corrosion resistance and high mechanical resistance. It is widely used in Dentistry, with high success rates, providing a favorable biological response when in contact with live tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the different uses of titanium in Dentistry, reviewing its historical development and discoursing about its state of art and future perspective of its utilization. A search in the MEDLINE/PubMed database was performed using the terms 'titanium', 'dentistry' and 'implants'. The title and abstract of articles were read, and after this first screening 20 articles were selected and their full-texts were downloaded. Additional text books and manual search of reference lists within selected articles were included. Correlated literature showed that titanium is the most used metal in Implantology for manufacturing osseointegrated implants and their systems, with a totally consolidated utilization. Moreover, titanium can be also employed in prosthodontics to obtain frameworks. However, problems related to its machining, casting, welding and ceramic application for dental prosthesis are still limiting its use. In Endodontics, titanium has been used in association to nickel for manufacturing rotatory instruments, providing a higher resistance to deformation. However, although the different possibilities of using titanium in modern Dentistry, its use for prostheses frameworks still needs technological improvements in order to surpass its limitations.

The influence of short-heating-cycle investments on the quality of commercially pure titanium castings

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

A new short-cycle, spinel-based investment was developed to minimize the long heating cycle generally required for conventional investments for titanium castings, but the quality of castings made using this material has yet to be evaluated.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the Vickers hardness, castability, surface roughness, in vitro marginal misfit, and internal porosity of castings made using silica phosphate-based and spinel-based investments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The specimens were commercially pure titanium cast using silica phosphate-based investment, Rematitan Plus (RP), and spinel-based investments, Rematitan Ultra (RU) or short-heat-cycle Trinell (TR). Disc-shaped patterns (6 × 3 mm) were cast, and Vickers hardness was measured at the surface, and 50, 100, 150, and 200 μm beneath the surface (n=10). Microstructure was analyzed by optical microscopy (×100). Mesh patterns (14 × 14 × 0.5 mm) were used for castability testing (n=10). Surface roughness (Ra) was measured on disc-shaped patterns (13 × 3 mm) with a profilometer (n=8). Wax copings were cast, screwed to implant abutments, and the marginal misfit was measured using image analysis software (n=10). Internal porosity of the copings was evaluated by density comparisons (n=10). Hardness data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test. Castability, surface roughness, and marginal misfit were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test, and internal porosity by Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

RP had the highest hardness values at the surface and 50 μm beneath, but the hardness values of TR, RU, and RP were statistically equivalent at 100, 150, and 200 μm. Significant differences were seen when comparing RU and TR with RP for castability (P<.001), surface roughness (P<.001), and marginal misfit (P<.001). No significant differences were seen for internal porosity.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of castings made from the new investment, TR, was similar to the quality of those made using the conventional spinel-based investment, RU, and superior to those made using RP.

Internal adaptation of cast titanium crowns

As the adaptation of titanium crowns obtained by Rematitan Plus investment, specific for titanium, is not recognized to be suitable, this study evaluated the effect of the concentration of the specific liquid and the temperature of the mold of investments on the internal misfit of crowns cast on commercially pure titanium. Individual dies of epoxy resin were obtained, representing teeth prepared for full-crown restoration with a 6-degree axial surface convergence angle and shoulder (1.0 mm). For the waxing of each crown, a ring-shaped stainless steel matrix (8.0mm internal diameter; 7.5 mm height) was adapted above the individual dies of epoxy resin. The Rematian Plus investment was mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions using two different concentrations of the specific liquid: 100%, 75%. Casting was performed in a Discovery Plasma Ar-arc vacuum-pressure casting machine with molds at temperatures of 430 degrees C, 515 degrees C and 600 degrees C. The crowns were cleaned individually in a solution (1% HF + 13% HNO3) for 10 min using a ultrasonic cleaner, with no internal adaptations, and luted with zinc phosphate cement under a 5 kg static load. The crown and die assemblies were embedded in resin and sectioned longitudinally. The area occupied by cement was observed using stereoscopic lens (10X) and measured by the Leica Qwin image analysis system (mm(2)). The data for each experimental condition (n=8) were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test (á=0.05). The results showed that liquid dilution and the increase in mold temperature did not significantly influence the levels of internal fit of the cast titanium crowns. The lowest means (+/-SD) of internal misfit were obtained for the 430 degrees C/100%: (7.25 mm(2) +/-1.59) and 600 degrees C/100% (8.8 mm(2) +/-2.25) groups, which presented statistically similar levels of internal misfit.

Evaluation of the thermal shrinkage of titanium and the setting and thermal expansion of phosphate-bonded investments

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

There are few studies on titanium casting shrinkage, and phosphate-bonded investments for titanium casting have not produced appropriate marginal fit.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the thermal shrinkage of titanium and the setting and thermal expansion of 3 phosphate-bonded investments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The thermal shrinkage between the melting temperature and room temperature was calculated using a titanium thermal expansion coefficient. The thermal and setting expansion were measured for 3 phosphate bonded investments: Rematitan Plus (RP) specific for titanium, Rema Exakt (RE), and Castorit Super C (CA), using different special liquid concentrations (100%, 75%, and 50%). Setting expansion was measured for cylindrical specimens 50 mm long x 8 mm in diameter with a transducer. The heating and cooling curves were obtained with a dilatometer (DIL 402 PC). The total expansion curve was drawn using software, and temperatures to obtain expansion equivalent to titanium casting shrinkage were determined (n=5). In addition, the total expansion of the control group (RP at 430 degrees C) was measured, as well as the temperatures at which the other groups achieved equivalent total expansion (n=5). Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (alpha=.05).

RESULTS

Titanium casting shrinkage was estimated as 1.55%. RP did not achieve this expansion. RE achieved expansion of 1.55% only with a special liquid concentration of 100% at 594 degrees C. CA with all special liquid concentrations attained this expansion (351 degrees C to 572 degrees C). Total expansion of the control group was 0.86%, and the other groups reached that expansion within the range of 70 degrees C to 360 degrees C.

CONCLUSIONS

Only RE and CA demonstrated sufficient expansion to compensate for titanium casting shrinkage. All groups reached total expansion equivalent to that of the control group at significantly lower temperatures.

The effect of mold temperature on castability of CP Ti and Ti–6Al–4V castings into phosphate bonded investment materials

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the castability of CP titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy castings into Rematitan Plus investment at three different mold temperatures.

METHODS

A nylon mesh pattern (20 mm with 64 squares and wire of 0.7 mm in diameter) was used for the castability testing. Initially, an image of the wax pattern was obtained by means of a digital camera and the total extension of filaments (mm) was then measured, using the Leica Qwin image analysis system. The mesh sprued was placed in the Rematitan Plus investment material and the castings were made in a Discovery Plasma machine at three different mold temperatures: 430 degrees C (control group), 480 degrees C or 530 degrees C. Ten castings were made for each temperature. The images of the castings were analyzed (Leica Qwin) and the castability index determined by the number of the completely cast segments as a percentage of the wax pattern. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test (a = 0.05) using materials and temperatures as discriminating variables.

RESULTS

The Ti-6Al-4V alloy (60.86%) presented a better castability index than CP Ti (48.44%) (p < 0.000001). For CP Ti, the temperature of 530 degrees C (23.96%) presented better castability than at other temperatures, 480 degrees C (14.66%) and 430 degrees C (12.54%), with no difference between them (p < 0.001). For Ti-6Al-4V alloy, there was a statistically significant difference among the three temperatures: 530 degrees C (28.36%) > 480 degrees C (19.66%) > 430 degrees C (15.97%) (p < 0.002).

SIGNIFICANCE

Within the limitations of this study, the increase in the mold temperature of the Rematitan Plus investment resulted in a better castability index for both materials, and Ti-6Al-4V presented a better castability index than CP Ti.

Vickers hardness of cast commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy submitted to heat treatments

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat treatments on the Vickers hardness of commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V castalloys. Six-millimeter-diameter cylindrical specimens were cast in a Rematitan System. Commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy specimens were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=10) that received the following heat treatments: control (no heat treatment); treatment 1 (T1): heating at 750ºC for 2 h; and treatment 2 (T2): annealing at 955ºC for 1 h and aging at 620ºC for 2 h. After heat treatments, the specimens were embedded in acrylic resin and their surface was ground and polished and hardness was measured. Vickers hardness means (VHN) and standard deviations were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% significance level. For commercially pure titanium, Vickers hardness means of group T2 (259.90 VHN) was significantly higher than those of the other groups (control - 200.26 VHN and T1 - 202.23 VHN), which presented similar hardness means to each other (p>0.05). For Ti-6Al-4V alloy, statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups: T2 (369.08 VHN), T1 (351.94 VHN) and control (340.51 VHN) (p<0.05). The results demonstrated different hardness of CP Ti and Ti-6Al-4V when different heat treatments were used. For CP Ti, VHN means of T2 group was remarkably higher than those of control and T1 group, which showed similar VHN means to each other. For Ti-6Al-4V alloy, however, VHN means recorded for each group may be presented as follows: T2>T1>control.

The effect of investment material type on the contamination zone and mechanical properties of commercially pure titanium castings

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Different types of investment materials affect the formation of a surface contamination zone within commercially pure titanium (cpTi) castings. This contamination zone may possibly alter the mechanical properties of cast titanium, which may be problematic for castings used in the fabrication of removable and fixed prostheses.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different types of investments on the extent of contamination zone and the modulus of elasticity, yield strength, elongation, and hardness of cpTi castings.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty wax patterns were fabricated according to ISO 9693 for tensile testing. The patterns were divided into 2 groups of 20 patterns each, invested, and cast in pairs using cpTi. The first group (P) was invested with a phosphate-bonded silica-based investment material (Ticoat S+L), and the second group (M), with a magnesia-alumina investment material (Rematitan Ultra). Investment materials were examined by x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). One specimen from each group was sectioned and prepared for metallographic observation. The extent of the contamination zone was determined by scanning electron microscopy, using back-scattering electron imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis, as well as microhardness testing. The tensile strength of the specimens was determined in a universal testing machine. From the derived tensile curves, the modulus of elasticity, yield strength, and percentage elongation were calculated and statistically evaluated among the groups using the Student t test (alpha=.05). Three fractured specimens from each group were examined by scanning electron microscopy to determine the mode of fracture.

RESULTS

XRD analysis showed that silica and magnesia were the dominant phases of Ticoat S+L and Rematitan Ultra, respectively. The contamination zone was found to extend 50 to 80 mum for the P specimens and 15 to 20 mum for the M specimens. No significance difference was found for the modulus of elasticity (P=85 +/- 11 GPa, M=79 +/- 13 GPa), whereas significant differences were found for the yield strength (P=462 +/- 48 MPa, M=321 +/- 54 MPa; P<.001) and percentage elongation (P=12 +/- 2, M=21 +/- 7; P=.002) between the groups tested. The fracture mode was brittle externally and ductile internally for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this study, the extent of the contamination zone as well as the yield strength and percentage elongation of the cpTi castings were significantly affected by the type of the investment material.

Effect of thermal treatments on tensile strength of commercially cast pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloys

Heating titanium structures is assumed to relieve tensions induced by the casting process as well as possibly optimizing some mechanical properties. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of thermal treatments on tensile strength of commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Thirty dumbbell rods, with diameters of 3.0 mm at the central segment and lengths of 42 mm, were cast for each metal using the Rematitan System. CP Ti and Ti-6Al-4V specimens were randomly divided into three groups of ten: a control group that received no thermal treatment and two test groups. One (T1) was heated at 750 degrees C for 2 h and the other (T2) was annealed at 955 degrees C for 1 h and aged at 620 degrees C for 2 h. Tensile strength was measured with a universal testing machine (MTS model 810). Tensile strength means and standard deviations were statistically compared using a Kruskal-Wallis test at a alpha=0.05 significance level. No statistically significant differences in tensile strength were observed among CP Ti groups. For the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, the control and T1 groups revealed statistically higher tensile strengths when compared to the T2 group, with no significant difference between the control and T1 groups.

Porosity of cpTi casting with four different casting machines

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Porosity is a well-known problem in dental titanium casting, resulting in inferior mechanical properties of dental restorations.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the porosity of cpTi castings produced with different casting machines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four groups of 20 rectangular (30 x 3 x 0.5 mm) wax patterns were fabricated. Group CyII was cast in a CyclarcII casting machine, Group DAM in a Dor-A-Matic, Group TiF in a Titec 201F, and Group ETi in an EasyTi with cpTi, according to manufacturers' instructions. Groups CyII, DAM and TiF were invested with magnesia based Titavest CB and Group ETi with Ticoat S+L silica based investment. The percentage porosity of each specimen was determined using standardized digital radiographs and calculated by quantitative image analysis procedure. The results were statistically analyzed by nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test (alpha=.05).

RESULTS

No statistical differences were found among the groups tested; nevertheless, pore distribution among the specimens of the same group was inhomogeneous. The results show that the casting machines tested produced nonuniform porosity.

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions of the present study, the type of casting machine does not significantly influence the internal porosity in cpTi castings.

Comparison of cast Ti-Ni alloy clasp retention with conventional removable partial denture clasps

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The elastic property of Ti-Ni alloy may be a desirable property for cast removable partial dentures. However, little is known about the retentive properties of cast Ti-Ni alloy clasps.

PURPOSE

This in vitro study investigated the retentive force of various types of clasps during repeated cycles of placement and removal to determine whether Ti-Ni alloy clasps maintain their initial retentive force under varied conditions, including different retentive undercut depths and clasp size (thickness and width).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The test models were developed using a mandibular dentiform with a horizontal plane of occlusion. Two complete metal abutment crowns were made for the left second molar, differing only in retentive undercut depths. A total of 98 clasps (n=7) were fabricated, including 14 wrought wire clasps and 28 clasps from each of the following alloys: Co-Cr alloy (Biosil), Type IV gold alloy (Cast-4), and Ti-Ni alloy (TN-10). Clasps were made to engage one of 2 retentive undercut depths (0.25 mm or 0.75 mm) and were made in 2 sizes (0.8 mm or 1.4 mm). Each clasp was radiographically examined for casting defects and porosity. The force (N) required to remove the clasps was measured using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min. After measuring the retentive force, a masticatory simulator was used to cycle the clasps on and off the metal crown 500 times, simulating the insertion and removal of a removable partial denture clasp. The cycling sequence was repeated 10 times, and retention force was measured after each sequence. The internal surface of the clasp arms was examined for evidence of metal fatigue using scanning electron microscopy. Data were subjected to 2-way and 4-way analysis of variance, followed by Scheffe's multiple comparison test (alpha=.05).

RESULTS

Co-Cr alloy and gold alloy clasps in the 0.25-mm retentive undercut groups experienced a gradual decrease in retentive force measurements (P<.001). In contrast, the Ti-Ni alloy clasps maintained a retentive force of approximately 1.8 N and 2.6 N for the 0.8 mm and 1.4 mm clasp groups, respectively. Although Ti-Ni alloy clasps' retentive force was reduced slightly after the first cycling sequence, it was negligible compared with other clasps tested. The wrought wire clasps also retained their retentive force until the final cycling sequence. A similar trend was found in the clasp groups engaging 0.75-mm retentive undercuts.

CONCLUSION

Although the end-point retention for all the clasps was similar, there was less change in the retentive force of the cast Ti-Ni alloy clasps after repeated cycling sequences of simulated placement and removal.

Adherence of investment to Au–Pd–Ag alloy using a vacuum–argon pressure casting machine

OBJECTIVE

The removal of adhered investment material from marginal metal surfaces represents a possible risk of poor marginal adaptation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of argon on investment adherence to the casting surface and on the alloy surface microstructure.

METHODS

A die of stainless steel was used. 10 wax copings were cast by vacuum-argon pressure, while 10 copings by vacuum-air pressure using a Combilabor CLG-77 A in a graphite crucible; supply was direct with curved sprues of slashed circle 3.5 mm. The alloy used was Herabond. After coarse investment, removal of all specimens were investigated with scanning electron microscopy and semi-quantitative digital densitometry.

RESULTS

The specimens cast under vacuum-argon pressure showed less amount of investment adhered (unpaired t test of grouped specimens, difference 2.896x10(5)pixel; p=0.002) while the grain size on the casting surface increased significantly p=0.000 (difference 5.968(microm).

SIGNIFICANCE

Vacuum-argon pressure supply during casting reduces the investment adherence to the metal surface, and increases the packing density and size of the grains, especially on the casting surface. These minimize the risk of marginal distortions due to casting cleaning procedures and facilitate the finishing and polishing procedures.

Thermal expansion and microstructural analysis of experimental metal-ceramic titanium alloys

Statement of problem Low-fusing porcelains for titanium veneering have demonstrated inferior color stability and metal-ceramic longevity compared to conventional porcelains.

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the microstructure and thermal expansion coefficients of some experimental titanium alloys as alternative metallic substrates for low-fusing conventional porcelain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and various metallic elements (Al, Co, Sn, Ga, In, Mn) were used to prepare 8 titanium alloys using a commercial 2-chamber electric-arc vacuum/inert gas dental casting machine (Cyclarc). The nominal compositions of these alloys were the following (wt%): I: 80Ti-18Sn-1.5In-0.5Mn; II: 76Ti-12Ga-7Sn-4Al-1Co; III: 87Ti-13Ga; IV: 79Ti-13Ga-7Al-1Co; V: 82Ti-18In; VI: 75.5Ti-18In-5Al-1Co-0.5Mn; VII: 85Ti-10Sn-5Al; VIII: 78Ti-12Co-7Ga-3Sn. Six rectangular wax patterns for each test material (l = 25 mm, w = 3 mm, h = 1 mm) were invested with magnesia-based material and cast with grade II CP Ti (control) and the 8 experimental alloys. The porosity of each casting was evaluated radiographically, and defective specimens were discarded. Two cast specimens from CP Ti and alloys I-VIII were embedded in epoxy resin and, after metallographic grinding and polishing, were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and wavelength dispersive electron probe microanalysis. One specimen of each material was utilized for the determination of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) with a dilatometer operating from room temperature up to 650 degrees C at a heating rate of 5 degrees C/minute.

RESULTS

Secondary electron images (SEI) and compositional backscattered electron images (BEI-COMPO) revealed that all cast specimens consisted of a homogeneous matrix except Alloy VIII, which contained a second phase (possibly Ti(2)Co) along with the titanium matrix. The results showed that the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) varied from 10.1 to 13.1 x 10(-6)/ degrees C (25 degrees -500 degrees C), depending on the elemental composition.

CONCLUSION

The CTE of titanium can be considerably changed by alloying. Two-phase alloys were developed when alloying elements were added in concentrations greater than the maximum solubility limit in alpha-titanium phase.

Titanium applications in dentistry

BACKGROUND

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs outlines the status of titanium and titanium alloys used in dentistry and provides its recommendations concerning their use in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Titanium and titanium alloys, based on their physical and chemical properties, appear to be especially suitable for dental implants and prostheses. For the construction of endosseous implant devices, titanium and its alloys have become well-accepted and can be considered the materials of choice.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

For crown and bridge prostheses, dentists can consider titanium and its alloys as viable options to more traditional noble and base metal alloys, but careful selection of processing methods and laboratory skill are necessary to ensure success.

Casting titanium partial denture frameworks: a radiographic evaluation

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Titanium is the most biocompatible metal available for dental castings. However, there is some concern about the castability of titanium used on a daily basis.

PURPOSE

A radiographic evaluation of titanium partial denture frameworks was undertaken to ascertain whether these castings were technically acceptable for clinical use.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three hundred Grade II titanium removable partial denture frameworks were cast in a Titec 205M casting machine. All materials were used as directed by the manufacturer, and all castings were made by an experienced titanium specialist. Each casting was evaluated by radiograph. Based on the number, location, and size of argon inclusions, the frameworks were rated as follows: technically acceptable for clinical use as cast; technically acceptable after laser welding modifications; or unacceptable as cast, with remake necessary.

RESULTS

Of the 300 titanium frameworks cast, 97% were rated technically acceptable for clinical use in terms of castability.

SUMMARY

Within the limitations of this radiographic evaluation, it was determined that the castability of titanium was such that technically acceptable castings could be made on a daily basis.