Corrosion Behaviour of Zr-Ag Alloys for Dental Implant Application

The electrochemical corrosion behaviour of three Zr-Ag alloys (Zr-1Ag, Zr-3Ag and Zr-5Ag) was investigated. Open circuit potential, linear potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were employed in aerated artificial saliva (pH = 4.0) at 37°C. Silver alloying additions are found to be effective in enhancing the corrosion resistance of zirconium in artificial saliva environment. In fact, Zr-Ag alloys exhibit higher open circuit potentials, larger breakdown potentials and higher impedance values as compared to cp Zr. This behaviour can be ascribed to the formation of a thicker and more stable passive film with increasing compactness, able to provide better protection against the corrosion attack.