Microstructural characterization of titanium dental implants by electron microscopy and mechanical tests

Mini screw types for titanium implants, with differentiated design, were tested for traction and torsion for behavior analysis of the shape relative to the requirements of ASTM F136. All implants showed mechanical tensile strength above by the standard requirement, being that 83.3% of them broke above the doughnut, in support of the prosthesis. Distinct morphologies in ruptured by mechanical tests, were obtained. However, both fracture surfaces showed fragile comportments. Metallographic tests, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and microhardness were used for microstructural characterization of material, before and after heat treatment. The presences of β phase in screw surface after quenching treatment proves that the thermal treatment can contribute for mechanical resistance in surface implants. (author)