Characterization of a Ni-Cr based alloy for dental prosthesis processed by different methods

Full text: This work aimed characterize a Ni-Cr based alloy for dental prosthesis application. The alloy was processed via vacuum induction melting and investment casting followed by continuous casting. Final prosthetic parts were produced via centrifugal casting. The materials were characterized in terms of chemical composition, mechanical properties and microstructure. The following techniques have been used: X-ray fluorescence (XFR-WDS), Vickers Nanoindentation Tests, Light Microscopy (LM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS). Through microstructural characterization it was possible to determine the formation of a Ni solid solution matrix (γ), gamma prime (γ') precipitates, and eutectic (γ + Nb₆Ni₁₆Si₇) in the continuously cast rod. Nanoindentation test showed that the intermetallic phase was almost 3 times harder than the Ni matrix. (author)