TARNISH AND CORROSION

TARNISH

 Is observable as a surface discoloration on a metal,

or as a slight loss or alteration of the surface finish or
luster.

 In the oral environment, tarnish often occurs from

the formation of hard and soft deposits on the
surface of the restoration.


 Calculus is the principal hard deposit, and its
color varies from light yellow to brown.
 The soft deposits are plaques and films
composed mainly of microorganisms and mucin.

 Stain or discoloration arises from pigment-

producing bacteria, drugs containing such
chemicals as iron or mercury and adsorbed food
debris
 CORROSION
 Is not merely a surface deposit.

 It is a process in which deterioration of a metal is caused

by reaction with its environment.

 Frequently, the rate of corrosion attack may actually

increase over time, especially with surfaces subjected to
stress, with intergranular impurities in the metal or with
corrosion products that do not completely cover the metal
surface

 Sulfur is probably the most significant factor causing

surface tarnish on casting alloys that contain silver,
although chloride has also been identified as a contributor.
 Types of corrosion
1. Chemical / dry corrosion
2. Electro-chemical / wet / electrolytic corrosion
Galvanic corrosion
Heterogeneous composition
corrosion
Stress corrosion
Concentration cell corrosion
 CHEMICAL / DRY CORROSION

 In this type there is a direct combination of

metallic and non-metalic element to yield a
chemical compound through process such as
oxidation , or sulfurization reaction.
 Example: discoloration of silver by sulfur, where
silver sulfide forms by chemical reaction.
 Also called dry corrosion as there is absence of
water or another fluid electrolyte.
 ELECTRO-CHEMICAL / WET /
ELECTROLYTIC CORROSION

 It requires the presence of an

electrolyte.
 Also requires a pathway for the
transport of electrons.
 Three essential components
anode ( + ion formation site, oxidation)
cathode (consumption of e-, reduction)
electrolyte (an ionized solution that
conducts electricity)
 a. Galvanic corrosion

Difference in potential Isolated metallic restoration

b. Heterogeneous Surface Composition

c. Stress Corrosion: Occurs due to fatigue or cyclic loading

d. Concentration Cell Corrosion or Crevice Corrosion

• Pitting type (Oxygen concentration cell)

• Cervical type (Electrolyte concentration cell)

 PROTECTION AGAINST CORROSION

i. Passivation
ii. Increase noble metal content
iii. Polishing restorations
iv. Avoid dissimilar metal restorations
 Certain metals readily form strong adherent oxide film on
their surface, which protects them from corrosion.

 Such a metal is said to be passive.

 Chromium, titanium and aluminum are examples of such

metals.
 Since this film is passive to oxidative chemical attack,
their formation is called Passivation.

 Chromium provides this corrosion resistance by forming

a very thin, adherent surface oxide that prevents the
diffusion of oxygen or other corroding species to the
underlying bulk metal.

 If more than 12% Cr is added to iron or cobalt, we get

stainless steel or cobalt chromium alloys, which are
highly corrosion resistant and therefore suitable for
dental use.
 Noble metals resist corrosion because their
electromotive force is positive with regard to any of
the common reduction reactions found in the oral
environment.

 In order to corrode a noble metal under such

conditions, an external current is required.

 At least half the atoms should be noble metals

(gold, platinum, and palladium) to ensure against
corrosion.

 Palladium has been found to be effective in

reducing the susceptibility to sulfide tarnishing for
alloys containing silver
THANK YOU
General corrosion - When metal is immersed
in electrolytic solution the positively charged
ions from the metal are transferred to
electrolyte and then metal transports the
negatively charged electrons.
Pitting corrosion - Along with general corrosion
on the surface there is enhanced corrosion in
the pit.
 Crevice corrosion -The local environment around the
screw to bone plate interface or implant device. Where
in overlay or composite type surface exists on a
metallic substrate. They provide opportunities for
crevice corrosion.
Galvanic corrosion – It occurs when two dissimilar
metallic materials are in contact in a electrolyte leading to
flow of current.
Fretting corrosion – It occurs when there is a micro-
motion and rubbing contact within the corrosive
environment.
Stress corrosion cracking – The combination of
high mechanical stresses and simultaneous
exposure to a corrosive environment results in
the failure of metallic materials by cracking
where neither condition alone would cause the
failure.