In Vitro Corrosion of Dental Ag-based Alloys in Polyvinylpyrrolidone Iodine Solution

The corrosion and tarnish behaviors of three Ag-based alloys (Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloy, Ag-In alloy, and Ag-Sn-Zn alloy) in polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (povidone-iodine) solution were examined. The degree of tarnish was evaluated by visible-ray spectrocolorimetry. Corrosion potential measurements and analyses of corrosion products by X-ray diffractometry were carried out to elucidate the corrosion mechanism. The corrosion rate of the three Ag-based alloys in povidone-iodine solution at its practical concentration used as a gargle solution was so fast that the alloys tarnished within 10 seconds of immersion with the formation of AgI. Thermodynamic consideration and the results of surface analysis by X-ray diffractometry revealed that the main anodic and catholic reactions were Ag+I-→AgI+e- and I2+2e-→2I- respectively.