Microstructural study of the resistance to corrosion of laser welded AuPd alloy joints for prosthesis supported by implants

Abstract

In this work, welded Au alloy joints, used for prosthesis supported by implants, have been studied before and after to laser welding processes. A refined dendritic microstructure was observed in the welding area. The base metal exhibited a two-phase granular microstructure with larger hardness and the appearance of Au precipitate. The electrochemical experiments, in NaCl 0.15 mol.L-1 solution at room temperature, which are appropriate to simulate corrosion at oral environment conditions, showed that the joint has a better performance when compared to base metal; probably due to the metallurgical structure in the region.