Effect of plasma welding parameters on the flexural strength of ti-6al-4v alloy

• Autor(a) principal: Silva,João Paulo Lyra e
• Data de Publicação: 2012
• Outros Autores: Fernandes Neto,Alfredo Júlio, Raposo,Luís Henrique Araújo, Novais,Veridiana Resende, Araujo,Cleudmar Amaral de, Cavalcante,Luisa de Andrade Lima, Simamoto Júnior,Paulo Cezar
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Brazilian Dental Journal
• Texto Completo: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-64402012000600010
• topic: energy dispersive spectroscopy; flexural strength; plasma arc welding; scanning electron microscopy; titanium alloy

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different plasma arc welding parameters on the flexural strength of titanium alloy beams (Ti-6Al-4V). Forty Ti-6Al-4V and 10 NiCr alloy beam specimens (40 mm long and 3.18 mm diameter) were prepared and divided into 5 groups (n=10). The titanium alloy beams for the control group were not sectioned or subjected to welding. Groups PL10, PL12, and PL14 contained titanium beams sectioned and welded at current 3 A for 10, 12 or 14 ms, respectively. Group NCB consisted of NiCr alloy beams welded using conventional torch brazing. After, the beams were subjected to a three-point bending test and the values obtained were analyzed to assess the flexural strength (MPa). Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test at 0.05 confidence level. Significant difference was verified among the evaluated groups (p<0.001), with higher flexural strength for the control group (p<0.05). No significant differences was observed among the plasma welded groups (p&gt;0.05). The NCB group showed the lowest flexural strength, although it was statistically similar to the PL 14 group (p&gt;0.05). The weld depth penetration was not significantly different among the plasma welded groups (p=0.05). Three representative specimens were randomly selected to be evaluated under scanning electron microcopy. The composition of the welded regions was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. This study provides an initial set of parameters supporting the use of plasma welding during fabrication of titanium alloy dental frameworks.