The cobalt chromium (CoCr) alloy is a popular metal used in a variety of applications due to its corrosion resistance, chemical inertness, and high wear-resistance. This material is also known for its high strength, hardness, and tensile properties.
It has a very high specific strength and is commonly used in gas turbines, dental implants, orthopedic implants, and other mechanical parts.
CoCr is a tetragonal-order alloy of cobalt and chromium. It is characterized by high ductility, high tensile strength and a very high surface hardness.
This material is often used in dentistry as a base metal for fabrication of removable partial denture frameworks, since it offers excellent mechanical and stain-resistant properties. The density of this material is about half that of gold-based alloys, which makes it easier to fabricate lightweight, high-quality frameworks and clasps for use in dental restorations.
The cobalt chromium alloy can be soldered, brazed or welded using a variety of joining techniques. The heat and cooling process, the solder gap and the shape of the joint affect the strength of a solder joint.
Despite all these properties, corrosion and oxidation in the body are a serious concern for all materials. This can be particularly true for dental materials, as the mouth is a natural corrosive environment that may include air, water, sugary foods, saliva, bacteria, microorganisms, temperature and pH changes, and dental prosthetic devices. This corrosive environment can lead to the release of metal ions and particles from the material, which is a significant risk in a dental setting, especially for patients with compromised immune systems.
