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 cathodic reactions were Ag + I(-)-->AgI + e- and I2 + 2e(-)-->2I- respectively.