Delayed fracture of beta titanium orthodontic wire in fluoride aqueous solutions

Hydrogen embrittlement of a beta titanium orthodontic wire has been examined by means of a delayed-fracture test in acid and neutral fluoride aqueous solutions and hydrogen thermal desorption analysis. The time to fracture increased with decreasing applied stress in 2.0% and 0.2% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) solutions. The fracture mode changed from ductile to brittle when the applied stress was lower than 500 MPa in 2.0% APF solution. On the other hand, the delayed fracture did not occur within 1000 h in neutral NaF solutions, although general corrosion was also observed similar to that in APF solutions. Hydrogen desorption of the delayed-fracture-tested specimens was observed with a peak at approximately 500°C. The amount of absorbed hydrogen was 5000–6500 mass ppm under an applied stress in 2.0% APF solution for 24 h. It is concluded that the immersion in fluoride solutions leads to the degradation of the mechanical properties and fracture of beta titanium alloy associated with hydrogen absorption.