Effect of nitriding surface treatment on the corrosion resistance of dental nickel–titanium files in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of nitriding surface treatment on the corrosion resistance of commercial dental alloy, in the form of helical nickel–titanium (Ni–Ti) files, when treated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution. The surface of dental helical Ni–Ti files was modified using nitriding treatment at 200 °C, 250 °C and 300 °C in an NH 3-containing environment. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the Ni–Ti files were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The corrosion resistance of the Ni–Ti files when treated with a clinical solution of 5.25% NaOCl was evaluated using the linear polarization method and by potentiodynamic polarization curve measurement. The nitriding treatments at different temperatures created titanium nitride (TiN) on the surface of the helical Ni–Ti files. The Ni–Ti files nitrided at 200 °C and 250 °C showed higher polarization resistance and higher passive film breakdown potential together with a lower passive current than untreated files. The presence of TiN on dental Ni–Ti files significantly increased the corrosion resistance of the files in the presence of 5.25% NaOCl solution.