Heat treatment effects on electrochemical corrosion parameters of high-Pd alloys.

This research determined the effect oxidation, as that occurs during porcelain firing, has upon the corrosion parameters of Pd-based ceramic alloys and how it may relate to Pd allergy. The 20 h open circuit potential (OCP), 20 h corrosion rate (Icorr), and anodic polarization (E-i) curves of 11 commercial Pd alloys were measured in a phosphate buffered saline solution. The alloys were divided into the following four groups based upon composition: PdGa(Ag), PdCu, PdAg, and AuPd and tested in both as-cast and oxidized conditions. In both the as-cast and oxidized conditions, the OCP of Ag-containing Pd alloys is significantly lower than non Ag-containing high-Pd alloys. The OCP of all alloys increased after oxidation. With regard to corrosion rate, the Ag-containing alloys showed a decrease in Icorr with oxidation. In contrast, three of the four non Ag-containing high-Pd (>or=74 wt%) alloys exhibited a higher Icorr. A comparison of the anodic polarization curves showed only the alloys containing larger amounts (>or=16 wt%) of Ag displayed a notable difference between as-cast and oxidized states. Oxidation as required during porcelain-fused-to-metal device preparation alters the electrochemical characteristics of the alloys studied. This alteration may be of importance with regard to their potential for Pd allergy.