Processing and characterization of beryllium free Ni–Cr–Mo biomaterial doped with cerium, boron and titanium for dental applications

Abstract

Dental restoration has been a major concern of healthcare since centuries. Several alloys are in use for dental prostheses including Ni–Cr–Mo alloy. The Ni–Cr–Mo alloy has advantage of economy and density over other alloys, while possessing equivalent corrosion and biocompatibility characteristics. However, beryllium in Ni–Cr–Mo dental casting alloys has associated health hazards, being carcinogenic. In this research Ni–Cr–Mo alloys with minor additions of boron (0.2 wt %), cerium (0.4 wt %) and titanium (2 wt %), to replace beryllium were developed through vacuum induction melting and investment casting technique. Manufacturing steps are detailed for the alloy development to have medically clean alloy, suitable for biomedical applications. The cast alloy samples were tested for microstructure, phases, melting temperatures, wear and corrosion characteristics. Corrosion and wear test results demonstrate that the composition with minor addition of cerium had a significant effect to have low corrosion rate (25.92 × 10−3 mills per year), low wear rate (0.04 × 10−4 mm3/N.m) and lowest coefficient of friction.