Inledning: För att uppnå ett kliniskt optimalt slutresultat för dentala ersättningar inom den fasta protetiken är passformen en av de viktigaste aspekterna. Detta för att ersättningarna ska kunna vara kliniskt acceptabla och fungera i patientens mun samt att de rent materialtekniskt ska kunna fungera i ett långtidsperspektiv.Syfte: Syftet med den här in-vitro studien var att:• Jämföra den vertikala passformen samt kantanslutningen på fyra olika framställningsmetoder för en 3-leds bro i CoCr-legering och komma fram till vilken framställningsmetod som har den bästa passformen.• Komma fram till vid vilken del av bron den sämsta respektive den bästa passformen infinner sig.Material och metod: 32 provkroppar framställdes. Dessa bestod av 3-leds broar gjorda i CoCr-legeringar med likartad sammansättning. De 32 provkropparna delades in i 4 olika grupper så att man fick 8 individer i varje grupp. Grupperna representerades av de olika framställningsmetoderna som broarna togs fram i. Dessa olika metoder bestod av; traditionellt manuell vaxning (grupp MV) enligt lost-wax-metoden, fräst vax (grupp FV) som sedan bäddades in och göts, fräst CoCr (grupp FCC) samt slutligen lasersintrat CoCr (grupp LSCC).Resultat: Bäst passform baserat på medelvärden av diskrepansen för samtliga punkter hade grupp LSCC följt av grupperna FV, MV samt FCC. En statistisk jämförelse med one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test visade att mellan de olika framställningsmetoderna fanns endast signifikant skillnad mellan grupperna FCC och LSCC. En regressionsanalys visade att det fanns signifikant skillnad inom de respektive parametrarna, framställningsmetod, tandval, lägesposition och mätpunkt.Slutsats: Med begränsningarna i föreliggande in-vitro studie kan mot bakgrund av resultatet följande slutsatser dras:• Bäst passform uppvisade grupp LSCC följt av FV, MV och FCC.• Bäst passform på båda stödleden inom samtliga grupper innefann sig längst de axiala väggarna samt i den djupaste chamfer-delen på preparationen. Sämsta passformen påvisades ocklusalt på samtliga led.

A ausência do perfeito ajuste e o assentamento passivo dos pilares sobre implantes podem provocar tensões inadequadas na interface de osseointegração, possibilitando problemas mecânicos e biológicos. A fotoelasticidade é uma técnica experimental para análise de tensões capaz de produzir resultados confiáveis e fiéis aos parâmetros clínicos. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar por meio de microscopia ótica a adaptação marginal entre pilares intermediários tipo mini pilar cônico e a estrutura metálica com desenho geométrico em viga I fundida com liga de cobalto-cromo (CoCr). Analisaram-se, também, por meio de fotoelasticidade, as tensões geradas ao redor dos implantes por essa mesma estrutura metálica quando submetida a cargas estáticas em função da variação do número de pilares (4 ou 5) e da inclinação dos implantes distais (para o modelo de 5 implantes). As análises foram feitas antes e após o seccionamento das barras e soldagem a laser. Foram obtidas dez infraestruturas em viga I, fundidas em monobloco, utilizando-se liga de cobalto cromo. A análise da adaptação marginal foi realizada em estereomicroscópio sob aumento de 20X. Modelos fotoelásticos para 4 ou 5 implantes foram confeccionados e realizada a mensuração da tensão ao redor dos implantes. As barras foram seccionadas e soldadas por laser e novas medidas de adaptação marginal foram realizadas, bem como foram confeccionados novos modelos fotoelásticos para as estruturas soldadas. A análise da passividade das vigas I em monobloco não se mostrou estatisticamente significante (p≤0,05), a passividade no pilar oposto foi sempre menor que a do pilar parafusado antes e após a soldagem a laser, não houve diferença estatística no desajuste vertical entre as vigas I para quatro e cinco implantes, antes e após a soldagem a laser. A soldagem a laser gerou maior passividade e menor desajuste vertical nas vigas I. A análise fotoelástica mostrou que a soldagem a laser ocasionou menor tensão nos implantes quando não há aplicação de carga na viga I para quatro implantes, mas aumentou a tensão em viga I para cinco implantes. Assim, pode-se concluir que a soldagem a laser gerou maior passividade e menor desajuste vertical entre os pilares e o implante, e menor tensão ao redor dos implantes em vigas I de quatro implantes, e maior tensão em viga I para cinco implantes. / The absence of perfect fit and passivity on implants can cause stress on the osseointegration interface, enabling biomechanical problems. Photoelasticity is an experimental technique for stress analysis can produce reliable results and faithful to clinical parameters. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess by light microscopy the marginal adaptation of mini pillar intermediate and superstructure with geometric design I beam with cast cobalt-chromium (CoCr). It was analyzed also by means of photoelasticity, the tensions generated around the implants by the same metal superstructure when subjected to static loads due to the variation in the number of implants (4 or 5) and tilting the distal (for model 5 implants). Analyses were made before and after sectioning of the bars and laser welding. It was obtained ten I-beam superstructure I, cast in cobalt chromium alloy. The analysis of marginal adaptation was performed in a stereomicroscope under magnification 20X. Photoelastic models for 4 or 5 implants were made and carried out the measurement of the tension surrounding the implants. The bars were cut and welded by laser and marginal adaptation of new measures were taken and new photoelastic models were made for welded structures. The analysis of the passivity of the I-beams in a single block was not statistically significant (p≤0.05), passivity on the pillar opposite was always less than the abutment screws before and after laser welding, there was no statistical difference in the vertical misfit between I-beams for four and five implants before and after laser welding. The laser welding has generated greater passivity and lower beams in vertical misfit I. The photoelastic analysis showed that laser welding caused less stress on the implants when there is no application of load over four implants, but increased the tension for five implants. Thus, it can be concluded that laser welding generated more passivity and less vertical fit between the pillars and the implant, and less tension around the implants in four implants, and higher stress for five implants.

A ausência do perfeito ajuste e o assentamento passivo dos pilares sobre implantes podem provocar tensões inadequadas na interface de osseointegração, possibilitando problemas mecânicos e biológicos. A fotoelasticidade é uma técnica experimental para análise de tensões capaz de produzir resultados confiáveis e fiéis aos parâmetros clínicos. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar por meio de microscopia ótica a adaptação marginal entre pilares intermediários tipo mini pilar cônico e a estrutura metálica com desenho geométrico em viga I fundida com liga de cobalto-cromo (CoCr). Analisaram-se, também, por meio de fotoelasticidade, as tensões geradas ao redor dos implantes por essa mesma estrutura metálica quando submetida a cargas estáticas em função da variação do número de pilares (4 ou 5) e da inclinação dos implantes distais (para o modelo de 5 implantes). As análises foram feitas antes e após o seccionamento das barras e soldagem a laser. Foram obtidas dez infraestruturas em viga I, fundidas em monobloco, utilizando-se liga de cobalto cromo. A análise da adaptação marginal foi realizada em estereomicroscópio sob aumento de 20X. Modelos fotoelásticos para 4 ou 5 implantes foram confeccionados e realizada a mensuração da tensão ao redor dos implantes. As barras foram seccionadas e soldadas por laser e novas medidas de adaptação marginal foram realizadas, bem como foram confeccionados novos modelos fotoelásticos para as estruturas soldadas. A análise da passividade das vigas I em monobloco não se mostrou estatisticamente significante (p≤0,05), a passividade no pilar oposto foi sempre menor que a do pilar parafusado antes e após a soldagem a laser, não houve diferença estatística no desajuste vertical entre as vigas I para quatro e cinco implantes, antes e após a soldagem a laser. A soldagem a laser gerou maior passividade e menor desajuste vertical nas vigas I. A análise fotoelástica mostrou que a soldagem a laser ocasionou menor tensão nos implantes quando não há aplicação de carga na viga I para quatro implantes, mas aumentou a tensão em viga I para cinco implantes. Assim, pode-se concluir que a soldagem a laser gerou maior passividade e menor desajuste vertical entre os pilares e o implante, e menor tensão ao redor dos implantes em vigas I de quatro implantes, e maior tensão em viga I para cinco implantes. / The absence of perfect fit and passivity on implants can cause stress on the osseointegration interface, enabling biomechanical problems. Photoelasticity is an experimental technique for stress analysis can produce reliable results and faithful to clinical parameters. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess by light microscopy the marginal adaptation of mini pillar intermediate and superstructure with geometric design I beam with cast cobalt-chromium (CoCr). It was analyzed also by means of photoelasticity, the tensions generated around the implants by the same metal superstructure when subjected to static loads due to the variation in the number of implants (4 or 5) and tilting the distal (for model 5 implants). Analyses were made before and after sectioning of the bars and laser welding. It was obtained ten I-beam superstructure I, cast in cobalt chromium alloy. The analysis of marginal adaptation was performed in a stereomicroscope under magnification 20X. Photoelastic models for 4 or 5 implants were made and carried out the measurement of the tension surrounding the implants. The bars were cut and welded by laser and marginal adaptation of new measures were taken and new photoelastic models were made for welded structures. The analysis of the passivity of the I-beams in a single block was not statistically significant (p≤0.05), passivity on the pillar opposite was always less than the abutment screws before and after laser welding, there was no statistical difference in the vertical misfit between I-beams for four and five implants before and after laser welding. The laser welding has generated greater passivity and lower beams in vertical misfit I. The photoelastic analysis showed that laser welding caused less stress on the implants when there is no application of load over four implants, but increased the tension for five implants. Thus, it can be concluded that laser welding generated more passivity and less vertical fit between the pillars and the implant, and less tension around the implants in four implants, and higher stress for five implants.

Syfte: Syftet med föreliggande studie är att jämföra passformen på lasersintrade CoCr-hättor beroende på preparationstyp: slice- eller chamferpreparation, och framställningsteknik: analog eller digital avtrycksteknik.Material och metod: Två mastermodeller av en molar med slice- respektive chamferpreparation skannades genom analog och digital avtrycksteknik. Trettiotvå hättor i CoCr framställdes genom lasersintringsteknik. Grupperna var indelade enligt avtrycksteknik och preparationstyp (n=8). Passformen utvärderades med replika-tekniken. Sjutton punkter per provkropp mättes och fördelades mellan 4 parametrar: marginal, cervikal, axial och ocklusal. Cementspalten angiven vid CAD-designen användes som referensvärde. Statistisk analys gjordes med Oneway ANOVA, Tukey’s test med signifikansnivån α=0,05.Resultat: Det fanns en signifikant skillnad mellan referensvärdena och majoriteten av parametrarna i alla grupper. Den analoga avtryckstekniken uppvisade mindre skillnad i värdena mellan gruppernas parametrar och referensvärdena än den digitala avtrycktekniken. I den digitala avtryckstekniken uppvisade chamferpreparationer mindre skillnad i värdena gentemot referensvärdet i jämförelse med slicepreparationer. I den analoga avtryckstekniken uppvisade slicepreparationer mindre skillnad gentemot referensvärdet i majoriteten av parametrarna i jämförelse med chamferpreparationer. Slutsats: Inom föreliggande studies begränsningar kan följande slutsats dras: lasersintrade CoCr-hättor framställda med analoga avtryckstekniken har bättre passform än hättor framställda med digitala avtryckstekniken. I den digitala avtryckstekniken har chamferpreparationer bättre passform än slicepreparationer medan i den analoga avtryckstekniken har slicepreparationer bättre passform än chamferpreparationer i de ocklusala och axiala parametrarna. / Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the fit of laser sintered CoCr-copings with chamfer and slice preparations generated from analog and digital impressions. Material and method: Two master models of a molar with two types of preparations, slice and chamfer, were scanned with analog and digital impression techniques. Thirty-two laser sintered CoCr-copings were fabricated and divided according to impression method and type of preparation (n=8). The fit of the specimens were evaluated with the replica technique. Seventeen reference points per specimen were measured, which were divided into 4 parameters: marginal, cervical, axial and occlusal. The cement gap set in the CAD-design was used as a reference to evaluate the fit. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0,05). Results: There was a significant difference between the reference value and the majority of the mean values in all the groups. The analog impression technique showed that the difference between the parameters in all groups and the reference values were lesser in comparison with the digital impression technique. In the digital impression technique, the chamfer preparations had the closest values to the reference values in comparison to the slice preparations, while in the analog impression technique, the slice preparations had the closest values to the reference values in the majority of the parameters in comparison to the chamfer preparations.Conclusion: Considering this study’s limitation, the following conclusions can be drawn: CoCr-copings generated from the analog impression technique have a better fit compared to copings generated from the digital technique. In the digital impression technique, chamfer preparations have a better fit than slice preparations, while in the analog technique slice preparations have a better fit than chamfer preparation in the occlusal and axial parameters.

In 2005, over 200,000 Americans underwent a hip arthroplasty, the replacement of a hip joint with an artificial prosthesis. Of these arthroplasties, metal-on-metal type implants represent an increasing usage percentage. Metal-on-metal implants are selected largely for their low volumetric wear rate, durability, and resistance to corrosion. In spite of these advantages, little is known concerning the long-term consequences of heavy metal alloy use in the body, although early research indicates potentially carcinogenic results. This thesis is a preliminary investigation into these long term effects and their root causes. An improved comprehension of the corrosion kinetics and the rate of ion production from the high surface energy wear debris released by implant articulation can assist in illustrating the relative clinical significance of exposure to these metallic bodies over time. This thesis primarily focuses on developing a test methodology for the detection and analysis of ion dissociation in simulated body fluids. In order to validate this test methodology, the ion dissociation rates and surface characteristics of several predetermined diameters of cobalt chromium alloy spherical particles were analyzed. The effect of changing particle diameter, and thus surface area to volume ratio, on ion dissociation rate was determined to be significant when not affected by localized agglomeration. Additionally, preferential corrosion of cobalt within individual grains was observed and correlated to elevated cobalt concentrations in the electrolyte. These results suggest that ion dissociation kinetics for true wear particles can be determined through the refinement and application of the methodology developed.

For more than 50 years total hip replacements have been a common and successful procedure to increase patient mobility and quality of life. The 10-year implant survival rate is 97.8%. However, for longer implantation times there are limitations linked to the negative biological response to wear and corrosion products from the currently used biomaterials. In this thesis silicon nitride (SiNx) coatings were evaluated for use in total hip replacements, on the articulating bearing surface and modular taper connections. Homogeneous, dense SiNx coatings were deposited using reactive high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) up to a thickness of 8 µm. The N/Si atomic ratios ranged from 0.3 to 1.1 and the coatings showed a low surface roughness. The wear rate of a SiNx coated cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) was similar to that of bulk Si3N4, and less than one 46th of uncoated CoCrMo, an alloy that is commonly used in joint replacements. Wear debris generated from SiNx coatings was round in shape, with a mean size of 40 nm, and ranged between 10 and 500 nm. Model particles, similar in size and shape as the wear debris, were soluble in simulated body fluid. The dissolution rate was higher than the expected rate of debris generation. Along with the size of the debris, which is not in the critical range for macrophage activation, this dissolution may limit negative biological reactions. The SiNx coatings also dissolved in simulated body fluid. The coating with the highest N/Si ratio exhibited the lowest dissolution rate, of 0.2 to 0.4 nm/day, while CoCrMo under the same condition dissolved at a rate of 0.7 to 1.2 nm/day. SiNx-coated CoCrMo exhibited a reduced release of Co, Cr and Mo ions into the solution by two orders of magnitude, compared to uncoated CoCrMo. Si3N4 evaluated under micro-displacement in a corrosive environment, replicating the modular taper, showed a lower corrosion current compared to common biomedical alloys. SiNx coatings may also act beneficially to reduce issues associated with this type of contact. SiNx coatings have shown several properties in a laboratory environment that are hypothesised to increase the longevity of joint replacements. The promising results encourage further evaluation closer to the clinical application of total hip replacements, in particular in the articulating bearing surface and in modular tapers.

Ziel der Studie Das Ziel dieser in-vitro-Studie war die Untersuchung des Einflusses einer künstlichen Alterungsphase von 10.000 Füge- und Trennzyklen unter Speichelschmierung auf das Haftkraft- und Verschleißverhaltens von konventionell gusstechnisch, galvanisch und im CAD/CAM-Verfahren hergestellten Parallelteleskopen. Material und Methode: Sechs verschiedene Prüfgruppen unterschiedlicher Materialkombinationen und Fertigungsweisen wurden ausgehend von einem gemeinsamen Primär- und Sekundärkronendesign zu je zehn Parallelteleskopen (n = 10) angefertigt: Gruppe 1 (GG): Gruppe 2 (NN): Gruppe 3 (ZG): Gruppe 4 (CC NN): Gruppe 5 (CC ZN): Gruppe 6 (CC ZP): Hochgoldhaltige Legierung (Gussverfahren) Edelmetallfreie Legierung (Gussverfahren) Zirkoniumdioxidkeramik/Galvanogold (Galvanotechnik) Edelmetallfreie Legierung (CAD/CAM) Zirkoniumdioxidkeramik/Edelmetallfreie Legierung (CAD/CAM) Zirkoniumdioxidkeramik/Polyetheretherketon (CAD/CAM) Unter Verwendung einer Vorlast von 50 N wurden die Haftkraftwerte in der Universalprüfmaschine (Zwick/Roell, Ulm, Deutschland) kontinuierlich aufgezeichnet und zu den Zeitpunkten t0 (= Ausgangszustand), t1 (= 50 Zyklen), t2, (= 5.000 Zyklen) und t3 (= 10.000 Zyklen) miteinander verglichen. Die Daten wurden unter Anwendung eines Kolmogorov- Smirnov-, Friedman-, Wilcoxon-Vorzeichen-Rang-, Kruskal-Wallis- und Mann-Whitney-U-Test bei einem Signifikanzniveau von p ≤ 0,05 ausgewertet (SPSS, V25). Zusätzlich wurden lichtmikroskopische Aufnahmen der Primärkronenoberflächen und Sekundärkroneninnenseiten zum Nachweis von Verschleißphänomenen durchgeführt. Zur Bestimmung der Linien- und Oberflächenrauheit dienten konfokalmikroskopische Aufnahmen der Patrizen. 135 Zusammenfassung Ergebnisse Bei allen Prüfgruppen wurde eine Abnahme der mittleren Haftkraftwerte registriert. Die geringsten Haftkraftverluste wiesen die gegossenen hochgoldhaltigen Teleskopkronen mit 1,58 % (GG), die größten Haftkraftverluste mit 36,17 % die gegossen edelmetallfreien Doppelkronen (NN) auf. Signifikante Haftkraftverluste präsentierten nach Durchlaufen der Belastungsphase ausschließlich die galvanischen und gefrästen ZrO2/PEEK Probekörper, die zugleich die höchsten und niedrigsten mittleren Haftkräfte demonstrierten (ZG: t0= 8,30N, t3= 6,20N; CC ZP: t0= 1,36N, t3= 1,25N; Wilcoxon-Vorzeichen-Rang-Test; pZG= 0,010, pCC ZP= 0,049). Die Retentionskräfte der gegossenen hochgoldhaltigen und edelmetallfreien Gruppen sowie der gefrästen Prüfgruppe der Materialkombination ZrO2/NEM (GG, NN , CC ZN) unterschieden sich zu keinem der Zeitpunkte t0-t3 signifikant und zeigten ebenfalls über die gesamte Versuchsdauer keinen signifikanten Haftkraftrückgang. Hingegen wichen zu allen Zeitpunkten t0-t3 die Retentionskräfte der metallfreien Doppelkronen (CC ZP) signifikant von allen anderen Materialkombinationen ab. Bei nahezu allen Probekörpern waren im Bereich der Kontaktflächen zwischen Primär- und Sekundärkronen Verschleißerscheinungen erkennbar. Lediglich die keramischen Primärkronen der Materialkombination ZrO2/PEEK unterlagen keinen Oberflächenveränderungen. Die geringste Linienrauheit und Oberflächenrauheit zeigten die Primärkronenoberfläche der frästechnisch hergestellten edelmetallfreien Doppelkronen (CC NN; Rat0= 0,0869 μm, Rat3= 0,125 μm, Sat0= 0,109 μm, Sat3= 0,180 μm). Die höchsten Rauheitswerte wurden für die keramischen Primärkronen der Gruppen ZG und CC ZP dokumentiert (ZG: Rat0= 0.454 μm, Sat0= 0.544 μm, Sat3= 0.612 μm; CC ZP: Rat3= 0.462 μm). Schlussfolgerung Unter den gewählten Versuchsbedingungen erreichten alle getesteten Herstellungsmethoden und Materialkombinationen klinisch suffiziente Haftkraftwerte, obwohl sich zwischen den einzelnen Prüfgruppen ausgeprägte Unterschiede hinsichtlich des Haftkraftverhaltens offenbarten. Während in diesen Untersuchungen die hochgoldhaltigen Legierungen im Bereich Teleskoptechnik den Grund für ihre langjährige Bewährung belegten, zeigte sich bei der ausschließlichen Verwendung edelmetallfreier Legierungen die frästechnische Herstellung der Gusstechnik aufgrund homogenerer und höherer Retentionswerte überlegen. Die Materialkombination aus Zirkoniumdioxidkeramik und Nichtedelmetall stellt eine ästhetische Alternative zur Galvanotechnik dar. In weiteren Untersuchungen sollte die 136 Zusammenfassung Passung und die Haftkraft der Materialkombination Zirkoniumdioxidkeramik/PEEK durch Variation der Fertigungsparameter optimiert werden. Insgesamt vermochte die CAD/CAM- Technologie dennoch ähnlich voraussagbare Ergebnisse wie der sich behauptende Goldstandard zu erzielen. Verschleiß ist elementarer Bestandteil des tribologischen Systems der Doppelkrone und wurde bei allen Prüfgruppen nachgewiesen. Im Allgemeinen erwies sich die Konfokalen Mikroskopie als geeignete Methode zur Bestimmung von Rauheits- und Flächenparametern bei Doppelkronenoberflächen. Ausgehend von den vergleichbaren Untersuchungsergebnissen stellt die CAD/CAM-Technologie für die tägliche Praxis unter Berücksichtigung der leichteren Friktionseinstellung im Herstellungsprozess, einer uneingeschränkten Reproduktion der Doppelkronen aufgrund der digitalen Speichermöglichkeit und der Reduktion von Kosten durch Zeit und Arbeitskraft eine ernstzunehmende Alternative zur konventionellen Guss- und Galvanotechnik dar. Die Eignung von CAD/CAM-gefertigten Doppelkronen sollte jedoch zusätzlich in klinischen Langzeituntersuchungen nachgewiesen werden. / Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term use on the retention force and wear behavior of double crown systems. Methods: Based on a common double crown design sixty pairs of telescopic crowns were fabricated and divided into six groups, each consisting ten samples: “Gold standard” cast gold alloy primary and secondary crown (GG) and cast non-precious alloy (NN), computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)-milled zirconia primary crown and galvanoformed secondary crown (ZG), CAD/CAM-milled non-precious alloy primary and secondary crown (CC NN), CAD/CAM-milled zirconia primary crown and non-precious alloy secondary crown (CC ZN) and CAD/CAM-milled zirconia primary crown and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) secondary crown (CC ZP). In the constant presence of artificial saliva, all samples were subjected to 10,000 joining-separation cycles at a velocity of 120 mm/min. Wear was analyzed by reflected light microscopy and confocal microscopy before and after artificial aging. Results: Retention force losses were observed in each group after long-term use, with significant losses in the groups ZG and CC ZP (pZG = 0.01, pCC ZP = 0.049). During artificial aging, no significant differences in pull-off force were recorded for groups GG, NN and CC ZN. Regarding wear, merely the Y-TZP primary crowns of the CC ZP group displayed no surface changes. Significance: All tested production methods and material combinations seem to be suitable for clinical practice. CAD/CAM technology allows similarly predictable results to be achieved as the gold standard. Confocal microscopy is recommended for surface examinations of double crowns.

GPA INNOVATIVE S.L. (also known from now as GPA) was founded in Barcelona in 2013, legally constituted as STEROS GPA Innovative S.L., in order to provide solutions to various strategic challenges in the field of product design and the development of industrial applications. Among the eight different business lines, the main one is known as DLyte®. DLyte® is based on the patented DryLyte® Technology, the world's first dry-electropolishing process and it is suitable for the most common industrial metals, alloys and composite materials. It automates, simplifies and standardizes the post-processing of these set of materials, improving the surface finish obtained with traditional polishing processes. Within 918 machines on the market, 521 are used in the dental industry (representing the 56.75% of the total business). Therefore, to improve the polishing surface quality of dental alloys is a must for the company. Within this context, the very first aim of this Master thesis is to determine which DryLyte® electrolyte and/or electrical parameters are more suitable for polishing dental materials and in particular CoCr RPDs (chrome cobalt - Removable Partial Dentures). For that, an exhaustive electrolyte characterization and a surface analysis of the workpieces before and after being polished with this technology is realized. Also, another goal is to find a compromise between the electrical parameters and the better surface quality finish of RPDs and, last but not least, to ascertain if CoCr RPDs can be successfully polished under direct current (DC).

Ligas metálicas não nobres são amplamente utilizadas em odontologia desde a segunda metade do século XX. Várias ligas metálicas para utilização em próteses sobre o implante dentário têm sido propostas nos últimos anos, visando uma melhor interação metal-cerâmica e maior resistência eletroquímica ao ambiente bucal. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar e comparar o comportamento eletroquímico in vitro de ligas à base de cobalto-cromo e níquel-cromo, utilizadas em supra estruturas de implantes dentários. Estas ligas foram estudadas em meios de solução aquosa de NaCl 0,15 mol L-1, saliva artificial e NaCl 0,15 mol L-1 com adição de caseína, fluoreto de sódio ou ácido acético, a partir de técnicas eletroquímicas e não eletroquímicas. Como técnicas eletroquímicas foram empregadas: medidas de potencial de circuito aberto, curvas de polarização anódica, cronoamperometria, voltametria cíclica e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica. As técnicas não eletroquímicas utilizadas foram: espectroscopia de absorção atômica com atomização eletrotérmica (EAA-FG), espectroscopia de fotoelétrons excitados por raios-X (XPS), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectroscopia de energia dispersiva (EDS). Foram realizados testes de citotoxicidade utilizando a metodologia de incorporação do vermelho neutro. Uma boa correlação foi estabelecida entre os resultados obtidos pelas diferentes técnicas. Em solução de NaCl e saliva artificial as ligas apresentaram a seguinte ordem de resistência à oxidação: CoCrW < NiCrMo < CoCrMo. O filme formado em meio de saliva artificial se mostrou mais protetor do que o formado em meio de NaCl para todas as ligas, indicando que componentes presentes na saliva ao se adsorverem na superfície conferem uma maior proteção à mesma. As análises por XPS confirmaram a existência de um filme rico em Cr(III) com pequena concentração de cobalto e de níquel no filme passivo. As análises por EAA-FG a potenciais mais positivos mostraram que nesta região há oxidação generalizada, com a total dissolução do filme passivo e formação de Cr(VI), Ni(IV) e Co(II). As análises por MEV-EDS, para a superfície das ligas CoCrW e NiCrMo, apresentaram uma superfície quase homogênea e composições semelhantes antes e após 8h de imersão em meio de NaCl e em saliva artificial. A caseína atuou inibindo os processos de oxidação sobre a liga CoCrW e NiCrMo e sua atuação se tornou mais intensa com o aumento do potencial. A liga NiCrMo apresentou maior resistência à corrosão em meio de caseína quando comparada com a liga CoCrW. Os íons fluoreto atuam melhorando as características passivantes do filme, mas este efeito decresce com o aumento do potencial; a presença de ácido acético causa um aumento do efeito passivante do filme, à medida que cresce o potencial. As ligas CoCrW e NiCrMo não apresentaram efeito citotóxico, de acordo com a metodologia utilizada. / No noble metallic alloys are largely employed in odontology since the second part of the XX centrury. Different alloys have been proposed in order to be used in prosthesis on dental implants at last years, with the objective to obtain electrochemical resistance to oral environment. The aim of this work is to evaluate and to compare the electrochemical behavior \"in vitro\" of Co-Cr and Ni-Cr based alloys, used on dental implants structures. These alloys were studied in 0.15 mol L-1 NaCl aqueous in the absence and presence of casein, artificial saliva, sodium fluoride and acetic acid, using electrochemical and non-electrochemical techniques. Open circuit potencial measurements, anodic polarization curves, cronoamperometry, cyclic voltametry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used as electrochemical techniques. Atomic absorption spectroscopy with graphite furnace (EAA-GF), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scaning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used as non electrochemical techniques. Cytotoxicity tests using the neutral red incorporation methodology were performed. A good correlation between the different techniques it was obtained. The alloys presented the following corrosion resistance order: CoCrW < NiCrMo < CoCrMo. The film formed in artificial saliva has been showed a better protective action than the observed in NaCl medium for the three studied materials as an indicative of the adsorption of substances present on saliva and the consequent inhibitive effect. XPS analysis have confirmed the presence of a Cr2O3 film with low Co(II) and Ni(II) concentrations. EAA-GF analysis at more positive potentials have shown the presence of generalized oxidation with total dissolution of the passive film resulting in Cr(VI), Ni(IV) and Co(II) ions as soluble products. MEV and EDS analysis have shown a quasi homogeneous and similar surface before and after 8h immersion in NaCl and artificial saliva. Casein has acted as inhibitor for oxidation process of CoCrW and NiCrMo in NaCl medium and its effects increases as the potential becomes more positive. The alloy NiCrMo presented a higher corrosion resistance in NaCl solution containing casein when compared to the CoCrW alloy. Ions fluoride has promoted a better performance of the film at Ecorr but its effects decreases at more positive potentials.The presence of acetic acid increases the passivating effect as potencial becomes more positive. Cytotoxicity was not observed for the alloys studied, using the described methodology

Ligas metálicas não nobres são amplamente utilizadas em odontologia desde a segunda metade do século XX. Várias ligas metálicas para utilização em próteses sobre o implante dentário têm sido propostas nos últimos anos, visando uma melhor interação metal-cerâmica e maior resistência eletroquímica ao ambiente bucal. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar e comparar o comportamento eletroquímico in vitro de ligas à base de cobalto-cromo e níquel-cromo, utilizadas em supra estruturas de implantes dentários. Estas ligas foram estudadas em meios de solução aquosa de NaCl 0,15 mol L-1, saliva artificial e NaCl 0,15 mol L-1 com adição de caseína, fluoreto de sódio ou ácido acético, a partir de técnicas eletroquímicas e não eletroquímicas. Como técnicas eletroquímicas foram empregadas: medidas de potencial de circuito aberto, curvas de polarização anódica, cronoamperometria, voltametria cíclica e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica. As técnicas não eletroquímicas utilizadas foram: espectroscopia de absorção atômica com atomização eletrotérmica (EAA-FG), espectroscopia de fotoelétrons excitados por raios-X (XPS), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectroscopia de energia dispersiva (EDS). Foram realizados testes de citotoxicidade utilizando a metodologia de incorporação do vermelho neutro. Uma boa correlação foi estabelecida entre os resultados obtidos pelas diferentes técnicas. Em solução de NaCl e saliva artificial as ligas apresentaram a seguinte ordem de resistência à oxidação: CoCrW < NiCrMo < CoCrMo. O filme formado em meio de saliva artificial se mostrou mais protetor do que o formado em meio de NaCl para todas as ligas, indicando que componentes presentes na saliva ao se adsorverem na superfície conferem uma maior proteção à mesma. As análises por XPS confirmaram a existência de um filme rico em Cr(III) com pequena concentração de cobalto e de níquel no filme passivo. As análises por EAA-FG a potenciais mais positivos mostraram que nesta região há oxidação generalizada, com a total dissolução do filme passivo e formação de Cr(VI), Ni(IV) e Co(II). As análises por MEV-EDS, para a superfície das ligas CoCrW e NiCrMo, apresentaram uma superfície quase homogênea e composições semelhantes antes e após 8h de imersão em meio de NaCl e em saliva artificial. A caseína atuou inibindo os processos de oxidação sobre a liga CoCrW e NiCrMo e sua atuação se tornou mais intensa com o aumento do potencial. A liga NiCrMo apresentou maior resistência à corrosão em meio de caseína quando comparada com a liga CoCrW. Os íons fluoreto atuam melhorando as características passivantes do filme, mas este efeito decresce com o aumento do potencial; a presença de ácido acético causa um aumento do efeito passivante do filme, à medida que cresce o potencial. As ligas CoCrW e NiCrMo não apresentaram efeito citotóxico, de acordo com a metodologia utilizada. / No noble metallic alloys are largely employed in odontology since the second part of the XX centrury. Different alloys have been proposed in order to be used in prosthesis on dental implants at last years, with the objective to obtain electrochemical resistance to oral environment. The aim of this work is to evaluate and to compare the electrochemical behavior \"in vitro\" of Co-Cr and Ni-Cr based alloys, used on dental implants structures. These alloys were studied in 0.15 mol L-1 NaCl aqueous in the absence and presence of casein, artificial saliva, sodium fluoride and acetic acid, using electrochemical and non-electrochemical techniques. Open circuit potencial measurements, anodic polarization curves, cronoamperometry, cyclic voltametry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used as electrochemical techniques. Atomic absorption spectroscopy with graphite furnace (EAA-GF), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scaning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used as non electrochemical techniques. Cytotoxicity tests using the neutral red incorporation methodology were performed. A good correlation between the different techniques it was obtained. The alloys presented the following corrosion resistance order: CoCrW < NiCrMo < CoCrMo. The film formed in artificial saliva has been showed a better protective action than the observed in NaCl medium for the three studied materials as an indicative of the adsorption of substances present on saliva and the consequent inhibitive effect. XPS analysis have confirmed the presence of a Cr2O3 film with low Co(II) and Ni(II) concentrations. EAA-GF analysis at more positive potentials have shown the presence of generalized oxidation with total dissolution of the passive film resulting in Cr(VI), Ni(IV) and Co(II) ions as soluble products. MEV and EDS analysis have shown a quasi homogeneous and similar surface before and after 8h immersion in NaCl and artificial saliva. Casein has acted as inhibitor for oxidation process of CoCrW and NiCrMo in NaCl medium and its effects increases as the potential becomes more positive. The alloy NiCrMo presented a higher corrosion resistance in NaCl solution containing casein when compared to the CoCrW alloy. Ions fluoride has promoted a better performance of the film at Ecorr but its effects decreases at more positive potentials.The presence of acetic acid increases the passivating effect as potencial becomes more positive. Cytotoxicity was not observed for the alloys studied, using the described methodology