Next Article in Journal
The Theory of the Surface Wettability Angle in the Formation of an Oil Film in Internal Combustion Piston Engines
Next Article in Special Issue
Mechanical Characteristics of Individualized Biodegradable Augmentation Scaffold—In Vitro Pilot Study
Previous Article in Journal
7Be Recovery from Seawater by Sorbents of Various Types
Previous Article in Special Issue
Dentinal Tubule Penetrability and Bond Strength of Two Novel Calcium Silicate-Based Root Canal Sealers
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Effect of Stabilized Martensite on the Long-Term Performance of Superelastic NiTi Endodontic Files

by
Patricia Sánchez
1,†,
Benedetta Vidi
2,3,†,
Jesús Mena-Alvarez
3,*,
Javier Gil
1,*,
Cristina Rico
3 and
Juan Manuel Aragoneses
3,4
1
Bioengineering Institute of Technology, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallés, Spain
2
Programa de Doctorado Ciencia de la Salud, Universidad de Alcalá, Pza. San Diego s/n, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
3
Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio, C. de Emilio Muñoz, 13, 28691 Madrid, Spain
4
Department of Dental Research, Federico Henriquez y Carvajal University, Santo Domingo 10106, Dominican Republic
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Materials 2023, 16(11), 4089; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16114089
Submission received: 5 May 2023 / Revised: 26 May 2023 / Accepted: 28 May 2023 / Published: 31 May 2023

Abstract

:
One of the most used rotary files in endodontics is NiTi files due to their superelastic properties. This property means that this instrument has extraordinary flexion that can adapt to large angles inside the tooth canals. However, these files lose their superelasticity and fracture during use. The aim of this work is to determine the cause of fracture of the endodontic rotary files. For this purpose, 30 NiTi F6 SkyTaper® files (Komet, Germany) were used. Their chemical composition was determined by X-ray microanalysis, and their microstructure was determined by optical microscopy. Successive drillings were carried out with artificial tooth molds at 30, 45, and 70°. These tests were carried out at a temperature of 37 °C with a constant load controlled by a high sensitivity dynamometer of 5.5 N, and every five cycles were lubricated with an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite. The cycles to fracture were determined, and the surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Transformation (austenite to martensite) and retransformation (martensite to austenite) temperatures and enthalpies were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimeter at different endodontic cycles. The results showed an original austenitic phase with a Ms temperature of 15 °C and Af of 7 °C. Both temperatures increase with endodontic cycling, indicating that martensite forms at higher temperatures, and the temperature must be increased with cycling to retransform it to austenite. This fact indicates the stabilization of martensite with cycling, which is confirmed by the decrease in both transformation and retransformation enthalpies. The martensite is stabilized in the structure due to defects and does not retransform. This stabilized martensite has no superelasticity and, therefore, fractures prematurely. It has been possible to observe the stabilized martensite by studying the fractography, observing that the mechanism is by fatigue. The results showed that the files fracture earlier the greater the angle applied (for the tests at 70° at 280 s, at 45° at 385 s, and at 30° at 1200 s). As the angle increases, there is an increase in mechanical stress, and, therefore, the martensite stabilizes at lower cycles. To destabilize the martensite, a heat treatment can be carried out at 500 °C for 20 min, and the files recovers all its superelasticity.

1. Introduction

NiTi alloys are commonly used in endodontics because they combine superelasticity with excellent corrosion resistance, wear properties, and good biocompatibility [1,2,3,4]. The superelasticity is especially useful in endodontics because the alloy presents an important elastic deformation, and this allows large flexures in the dental canals [5,6,7]. This fact allows the instruments used in endodontics to be adapted to the canals of the teeth.
Superelasticity results from a stress-induced phase transformation. The formation of a martensitic phase in the alloy is initiated by cooling the material below Ms, which can be defined as the temperature at which the martensitic transformation begins. Mf is the temperature at which the martensitic transformation ends. This transformation is reversible, being As the temperature at which the reverse austenitic transformation (Martensite → Austenite) starts upon heating, and Af the temperature at the end of the reverse austenitic transformation [8,9,10]. The austenitic phase has an elastic deformation of approximately 15%, in contrast to conventional metals, whose elastic deformation is usually 0.2%. This excellent elastic behavior is due to the fact that austenite when subjected to stress, produces a stress-induced martensitic transformation. When this stress is relaxed, the martensite is elastically retransformed to austenite. However, the martensitic phase, if the stress continues to be applied, causes plastic deformation until fracture [10,11,12].
Despite the advantages of superelasticity in NiTi alloy, instrument fracture remains a major clinical concern. Fractures of endodontic instruments can occur in two ways: torsional fracture and bending fracture/fatigue [13]. The first occurs when the tip of the instrument remains locked in the root canal while its shaft continues to rotate. This situation exceeds the elasticity limit of the instrument, leading to plastic deformation and, finally, fracture. The other type of fracture is caused by stress and fatigue of the metal, resulting in a flexural fracture, and occurs mainly in narrow and curved canals [14].
Strategies have been implemented to increase the efficiency and safety of NiTi rotary files, including improvements in the manufacturing process or the use of new alloys that provide superior properties [15,16]. The mechanical properties and behavior of the NiTi alloy vary according to its composition and thermal/mechanical treatment during manufacturing [13,17,18]. Among these improvement treatments, we can find electropolishing [19], M-wire alloys [20], CM-Wire [21], R-Phase [22], Blue-Wire [23], Gold-Wire [24], Max-Wire [25], Fire-Wire [26], among others. Thermomechanical treatment of NiTi alloy allows a change in the phase composition leading to the appearance of martensite or R-phase under clinical conditions. Whilst M-Wire and R-phase instruments maintain an austenitic state, CM Wire, and the Gold and Blue heat-treated instruments, is composed of substantial amounts of martensite [22]. The austenitic instruments possess superelastic properties and reveal high torque values at fracture. Thus, these files are appropriate to shape straight or slightly curved root canals. Additionally, the use of austenitic alloy in pathfinding instruments may compensate for the decreased torque resistance caused by the smaller diameter of these files.
The aim of this study is to determine the fracture mechanisms of NiTi endodontic rotary files and how they influence the angles of application on the tooth. In other words, the reasons why over time, the endodontic rotary files lose their superelasticity until they fracture. Another objective would be to determine a treatment that could restore superelasticity before fracture to extend the life of endodontic burs.
The hypothesis of the contribution is that the austenite phase transforms to martensite and causes a loss of superelasticity. As the angle of application increases, the bending stresses are higher and will fracture earlier. It is possible to design a heat treatment that restores the austenite in the burs and gives back superelastic properties.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials

NiTi endodontic rotary files near equiatomic compositions were studied. The chemical compositions were determined by means of X-Ray microanalysis (Oxford Instrument X10, Oxford, UK) being: 51.2% Ni and 48.8% Ti (in atomic percentage).
The endodontic files used are of the brand F6 SkyTaper® files (Komet Lemgo, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany) (Figure 1) and are placed on a motor X-Smart® of Dentsply Sirona (Charlotte, NC, USA) with a speed of 300 rpm and torque of 2.2 Ncm.
Endodontic cycles are performed on molds made of polyamide with properties very similar to the natural tooth obtained by 3D printing with canals with angles of 30, 45, and 70°. These are the most common tooth canal angles in patients [27]. The file force on the mold was 5.5 N, and they were lubricated every 5 cycles with an aqueous solution of 5% sodium hypochlorite. For the determination of the force to which the file is subjected on the mold, different measurements were made on 25 clinicians of the Clínica Universitaria Odontológica Alfonso X el Sabio, obtaining a mean value of 5.5 N with a standard deviation of 2.8 N. The high precision dynamometer was Adamel Lombhragy (X1234, Lyon, France) and is adjusted to the hand of the clinician who will do the tests with maximum force control adjusted. The diagrams of the molds used can be seen in Figure 2.
For the test, it was important that the lubrication of the file was as similar as possible to what occurs in the clinic, and for this purpose, the instrument was soaked in the aqueous solution, which was at 37 °C. This meant that the variations in the temperature of the file were negligible, as this could affect the phases present in the file if they were overheated.
Cycles of 60, 150, and 200 s, and even fractures were made. Once the drills had reached these cycles, the transformation and retransformation temperatures and enthalpies were determined by calorimetry. The fracture files were also observed by microscopy to determine the phases present and the fractography.

2.2. Calorimetric Tests

Five samples for each endodontic rotary file and for each thermal treatment were analyzed, all of them 25.0 mm long and 0.46 mm in diameter. The transformation temperatures were measured by means of a calorimeter Melcor S 10. The calorimetric system used was based on a flow calorimeter, which measured differential signals (ΔT) by means of thermocouples batteries. The temperature was measured by means of a standard Pt-100 probe. All signals were digitalized through a multichannel recorder and linked to a microcomputer. Ms and As transformation temperatures occur when there is a sudden increment in the calorimetric signal. In the same way, the final temperatures, Mf and Af, were determined when the calorimetric signal returned to the baseline [28]. The enthalpies were calculated as the area of the transformation and retransformation curves. For this calculation, the samples were weighed on a precision balance (sensitivity of 0.00001 g) (Sartorius 298-s, Barcelona, Spain).

2.3. Microstructures

The samples were polished metallographically with diamond paste from 5 mm to 0.1 mm and etched with an acidic mixture (17 mL of HF + 33 mL of HNO3 + 50 mL of H2O). The microstructures were observed using optical and scanning (SEM) using a JEOL 6400 (JEOL, Tokyo, Japan) and JEOL 1200 EXII. Microscopy was equipped with a dispersive energy x-ray microanalysis (Oxford Instruments, Oxford, UK), which was used for determining the chemical composition.

2.4. Heat Treatments

Heat treatments were carried out at different heat treatment temperatures in an electric furnace (Hobersal, Caldes de Montibui, Spain) at 300, 400, and 500 °C for 20 min in an attempt to de-anneal the martensite. Subsequently, they were quenched in water at room temperature, and the transformation temperatures were determined by calorimetry.

2.5. Statistical Analysis

The data was statistically analyzed using Student’s t-tests, one-way ANOVA tables, and Turkey’s multiple comparison tests in order to evaluate any statistically significant differences between the sample groups. The differences were considered significant when p < 0.05. All statistical analyses were performed with MinitabTM software (Minitab release 13.0, Minitab Inc., State College, PA, USA).

3. Results

The metallography of the original file corresponds to the austenitic phase, as can be seen in Figure 3. This microstructure is as expected since the transformation temperatures obtained by calorimetry were Ms = 15 °C and Mf = 5 °C, and for the transformation from martensite to austenite, they were As = −3 °C and Af = 7 °C. The transformation enthalpies were 4342 J/g, and for the retransformation, −4312 J/g.
The microstructure of the fractured file can be seen in Figure 4, where the martensitic phase can be seen. No preferential direction is observed since the stresses are not uniaxial [29,30].
Table 1 shows the fracture cycles of the files as a function of the application angle. It can be observed that as the angle increases, the fracture cycles are lower because the drill exerts higher bending stresses than the rest. In the fractured samples, it was not possible to obtain the temperatures or the transformation enthalpies since there is no martensitic transformation when cooling the sample or retransformation to austenite when heating up to 250 °C, which is the limit of the calorimeter used. This is due to the fact that the martensite that can be observed in Figure 4 is anchored in defects and is stable when heating to 250 °C; therefore, the file loses the superelastic properties of the austenitic phase [31].
The endodontic tests were stopped at different cycles to see the evolution of the transformation temperatures, and the transformation enthalpy. In Table 2, it can be seen that there is a statistically significant increase in the Ms and Af temperatures with respect to the original burs. Table 2 also shows that both the transformation and retransformation enthalpies decrease as the file is cycled. This enthalpy indicates the value of heat absorbed for austenite to martensite trans-formation (endothermic) and heat expelled for martensite to austenite retransformation (exothermic). This reduction in enthalpies indicates that the amount of transformed or retransformed material is lower, indicating the presence of a phase (stabilized martensite) not susceptible to transformation [32,33,34].
Fractography studies show a rotary fatigue fracture. Figure 5A shows the beginning of the fracture, and we can indicate the crack initiation zone that is generated on the surface of the milling cutter. It can be seen how the first zone is with great deformation, showing a worn surface. This wear occurs because the cracked surfaces rub against each other in the milling process. This zone is followed by the crack propagation zone, which in the samples we have observed, is generated at about 500 μm from the place of crack nucleation. This zone can be seen in Figure 5B, where the crack advance marks can be seen, indicating the direction of propagation. The crack propagation causes the effective area that supports the milling stresses to become smaller and smaller until it cannot support the stresses, and the final fracture occurs. Figure 5C shows the ductile fracture of NiTi. In the different fractographies, pitting can be seen, which occurs because the NiTi is subjected to high mechanical stress on this fracture surface in an environment of lubrication with saline solution and therefore generates characteristic pitting due to its rounded shape. Figure 5D shows the area most exposed to this electrochemical corrosion since it is the initial area that has suffered great wear and therefore stored more residual stress and, in turn, more contact time with the aggressive solution. In this zone, it can be seen that pitting occurs around the grain boundaries [35,36]. This is due to the fact that these are the areas with the highest internal energy of the metal. It is well known that the places most susceptible to pitting are those with the highest mechanical stress, and these correspond to the grain boundaries of the areas with the highest wear [37].
The heat treatments were carried out with the purpose of eliminating the slip and helicoidal dislocations and twins produced by clinical practice. In this way, the martensite is released and can be retransformed to austenite. The samples where the heat treatments were performed were the fractures of the drills to ensure the highest number of defects. The heat treatments for 20 min at different temperatures gave the results shown in Table 3.

4. Discussion

The microstructure of the endodontic rotary file in its original state is completely austenitic, which is the phase that provides superelasticity to the instruments. This fact is corroborated by the Ms temperatures, which are lower than the oral temperature of 37 °C. When mechanical stress is applied when the bur is introduced into the tooth canal for endodontic treatment, a new phase is generated, which is stress-induced martensite. This phase returns to the austenitic phase when the stress disappears, returning to its original position and to its original phase, which is austenite. This property is called superelasticity [38,39].
With the passing of the endodontic rotary files cycles and the successive applications of stress, some stress-induced martensitic plates become anchored in the defects, such as dislocations or grain boundaries, and do not retransform to the original austenitic phase [40,41,42]. This fact causes a loss of the superelasticity property. The appearance of these martensitic plates, which are called stabilized, do not present an elastic deformation higher than 0.3% and, therefore, gradually lose the superelasticity of the drill and, therefore, its toughness [41,43].
The appearance of the stabilized martensite can be confirmed by the increase in the Ms temperature; that is to say, as the cycles pass, the martensite is generated more easily since the stabilized martensitic plates act as nucleation points of the new plates. It is for this reason that the Ms temperature increases, reaching values higher than 37 °C—the temperature of the human body-. Consequently, the file no longer shows superelasticity, but rather the instrument behaves in a plastic manner since the microstructure has a high content of non-superelastic stabilized martensite phase. As the proportion of stabilized martensite increases, the file becomes more and more brittle until it breaks [44].
The same fact is verified with the increase in the Af temperature, i.e., the temperature returns to the austenitic phase due to heating. Calorimetry studies show that fractured files present temperatures Af higher than the initial one since the system tries to heat up more to achieve the retransformation of martensite to the austenitic phase. The temperature increase is necessary to unanchor some plates that have been retained by the defects, and that is why more energy input is needed to achieve austenite. Some plates are so stabilized that retransformation is no longer achieved, but their stability does not allow, not even by the effect of heat, the reappearance of the austenitic phase, which is the superelastic phase [45].
This percentage of stabilized martensitic phase is confirmed by the decrease in the enthalpy of transformation from the austenitic phase to the martensitic phase and the enthalpy of retransformation from the martensitic phase to the austenitic phase. This decrease in the transformation enthalpies both in the endothermic and exothermic part is due to the fact that with the cycles, there is more and more stabilized martensite that does not transform with the temperatures offered by calorimetry [46,47,48]. There is no absorption of energy or transfer of transformation or retransformation energy for a phase—stabilized martensite—which is stable and will not transform [48].
Therefore, from the calorimetric results, we can determine that the cause of the endodontic rotary files failures is the embrittlement of the instruments due to the appearance of stabilized martensite, which causes the loss of the superelastic capacity of the original austenitic phase of the NiTi endodontic files.
From the results in Table 2, it can be seen that the files subjected to the higher angles break earlier, and the differences in the transformation temperatures at the same number of cycling times can be seen. It can be seen that the temperature changes are greater in the files that have worked at angles of 70°. By having to apply greater bending to the drilling, stress-induced martensite plates are formed more easily, and this leads to the appearance of a greater number of linear defects in the metal matrix of the milling cutters and, therefore, the stabilization of the martensite occurs more easily, and therefore, the milling cutters fracture earlier.
Annealing heat treatments at 300 °C are insufficient to cause the stabilized martensite to transform to austenite since calorimetry does not provide transformation curves. It is at 400 °C when the martensite destabilization begins as transformation temperatures start to be obtained, but still far from the original transformation temperatures. This fact can be verified by the fact that the values of the enthalpies are approximately 50% of the original ones, which indicates that the microstructure still has stabilized martensite that does not transform. It is at a temperature of 500 °C for 20 min that the drill recovers the original transformation temperatures, and therefore the material recovers its superelasticity. The heat treatment acts as a process of restoration of its microstructure, of the crystalline defects (vacancies and dislocations) generated by the use of the file. In other words, the material recovers its original phase—the austenite—its superelastic capacity without crystalline defects generated by the drilling process. These results are important for the clinical use of endodontic rotary files since heat treatments, such as the one performed in this work, would regenerate the NiTi and could extend the life of the files [49,50,51].
This research confirms the causes of fractures in endodontic rotary files. We have been able to demonstrate that the stabilized martensite that is formed with the endodontic cycles causes the gradual loss of superelasticity. We have also been able to determine the thermal treatments that prevent this loss of superelasticity, and therefore, heating at 500 °C for 20 min would allow the burs to have their initial properties. The work has limitations since the molds are made of polymeric material with properties very similar to the tooth, and the lubrication is carried out simulating that which occurs in clinical practice, and the forces of 5.5 N are an average value. Therefore, the experimentation may deviate slightly from clinical reality, but it is sufficient to demonstrate the causes of fracture of superelastic NiTi endodontic rotary files. Therefore, the hypothesis of the work has been confirmed by the microstructural and calorimetric experimentation of the files.
A limitation of the present research is that we have only carried out the studies with one milling cutter design and a given chemical composition. Design changes could change the results as the shear capacity and stress distribution in NiTi are modified [22,25,26]. Chemical composition performs a very important role in the behavior, although most of the burs used in endodontics have chemical compositions that are equal or very close, as in this case. The variation in the chemical composition will modify the transformation temperatures and, therefore, the cycles for the formation of stabilized martensite. The reason why Ni and Ti equiatomic alloys are used is that for these compositions’ austenite is obtained at room temperature and at a body temperature of 37 °C [52,53]. Increases in titanium can lead to the appearance of precipitates in fatigue or high-stress processes, which cause the loss of superelastic properties, similar to what happens with stabilized martensite. In the same way, nickel-rich precipitates have been obtained for nickel-rich alloys that cause brittle fractures [54].

5. Conclusions

From the experimental results, it has been shown that the higher the angle of application of the endodontic files, the number of cycles to fracture decrease. It has been observed that as we increase the cycles at the different angles studied, the presence of stabilized martensite in the NiTi microstructure increases until fracture. The presence of stabilized martensite has been verified by the increases in the temperatures Ms and Af and by the decrease in the values of the transformation and retransformation enthalpies. Stabilization of the martensite causes the files to lose their superelastic properties, and thus, fracture occurs prematurely. Heat treatment at 500° for 20 min causes the transformation from stabilized martensite to austenite, and the file returns to superelastic characteristics. This fact must be considered to increase the life of the endodontic files.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, J.G., J.M.A. and C.R.; methodology, J.G. and C.R.; formal analysis, J.M.-A.; investigation, P.S. and B.V.; resources, J.M.A.; data curation, J.M.A. and C.R.; writing—original draft preparation, J.G., C.R. and J.M.-A.; writing—review and editing, J.G.; visualization, J.M.-A.; supervision, C.R. and J.M.A.; project administration, J.M.A.; funding acquisition, J.M.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The authors can provide details of the research requesting by letter and commenting on their needs.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the project of the Spanish Government. CONCEPTO. PDC2022-133628-C22.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Andreasen, G.F.; Morrow, R.E. Laboratory and clinical analysis of Nitinol wire. Am. J. Orthod. 1978, 73, 142–145. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  2. Arciniegas, M.; Casals, J.; Manero, J.M.; Peña, J.; Gil, F.J. Study of hardness and wear behaviour of NiTi shape memory alloys. J. Alloys Compd. 2008, 460, 213–219. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  3. Arciniegas, M.; Manero, J.; Peña, J.; Gil, F.; Planell, J. Study of New Multifunctional Shape Memory and Low Elastic Modulus Ni-Free Ti Alloys. Met. Mater. Trans. A 2008, 39, 742–751. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Barrabés, M.; Michiardi, A.; Aparicio, C.; Sevilla, P.; Planell, J.A.; Gil, F.J. Oxidized nickel-titanium foams for bone reconstructions: Chemical and mechanical characterization. J. Mater. Sci. Mat. Med. 2007, 18, 2123–2129. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  5. Bowles, I.J.S.; Mackencie, J.K. Crystallography of martensite transformation. Acta Met. 1954, 2, 129–132. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Duerig, T.W.; Zadno, R. Engineering Aspects of Shape Memory Alloys; Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd.: Oxford, UK, 1990; pp. 124–132. [Google Scholar]
  7. Escher, K.; Hühner, H. Metallographical preparation of NiTi shape memory alloys. Prakt. Met. 1990, 27, 231–235. [Google Scholar]
  8. Gil, F.J.; Planell, J.A. In Vitro thermomechanical ageing of Ni-Ti alloys. J. Biomater. Appl. 1998, 12, 237–248. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Gil, F.J.; Manero, J.M.; Planell, J.A. Effect of grain size on the martensitic transformation in NiTi alloys. J. Mater. Sci. 1995, 30, 2526–2530. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Gil, F.J.; Fernández, E.; Manero, J.M.; Planell, J.A.; Sabrià, J.; Cortada, M.; Giner, L. A study of load cycling in a NiTi alloy with superelastic behaviour used in dental prosthetic fixators. Biomed. Mat. Eng. 1996, 6, 153–158. [Google Scholar]
  11. Gursoy, U.K.; Sokucu, O.; Uitto, V.-J.; Aydin, A.; Demirer, S.; Toker, H.; Erdem, O.; Sayal, A. The role of nickel accumulation and epithelial cell proliferation in orthodontic treatment-induced gingival overgrowth. Eur. J. Orthod. 2007, 29, 555–558. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  12. Haasters, J.; Baumgart, F.; Bensmann, G. Memory Alloys-New Material for Implantation in Orthopedic Surgery, Part 2 in Current Concepts of Internal Fixation of Fractures; Uthoff, H.K., Ed.; Springer: New York, NY, USA, 1980; p. 128. [Google Scholar]
  13. Shen, Y.; Qian, W.; Abtin, H.; Gao, Y.; Haapasalo, M. Fatigue Testing of Controlled Memory Wire Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments. J. Endod. 2011, 37, 997–1001. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  14. Ye, J.; Gao, Y. Metallurgical Characterization of M-Wire Nickel-Titanium Shape Memory Alloy Used for Endodontic Rotary Instruments during Low-cycle Fatigue. J. Endod. 2012, 38, 105–107. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  15. Schafer, E.; Vlassis, M. Comparative investigation of two rotary nickel-titanium instruments: ProTaper versus RaCe. Part 2. Cleaning effectiveness and shaping ability in severely curved root canals of extracted teeth. Int. Endod. J. 2004, 37, 239–248. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  16. Saber, S.E.D.M.; Nagy, M.M.; Schafer, E. Comparative evaluation of the shaping ability of ProTaper Next, iRaCe and Hyflex CM rotary NiTi files in severely curved root canals. Int. Endod. J. 2015, 48, 131–136. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  17. Pasternak-Júnior, B.; Neto, M.D.D.S.; Dionisio, V.C.; Pécora, J.D.; Silva, R.G. Analysis of kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic patterns during root canal preparation with rotary and manual instruments. J. Appl. Oral Sci. 2012, 20, 57–63. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. García, M.; Duran-Sindreu, F.; Mercadé, M.; Bueno, R.; Roig, M. A Comparison of Apical Transportation between ProFile and RaCe Rotary Instruments. J. Endod. 2012, 38, 990–992. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Praisarnti, C.; Chang, J.W.; Cheung, G.S. Electropolishing Enhances the Resistance of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Files to Corrosion–Fatigue Failure in Hypochlorite. J. Endod. 2010, 36, 1354–1357. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Gil, F.J.; Planell, J.A. Thermal cycling and ageing effects in Ni-Ti shape memory alloys used in biomedical applications. J. Biomech. 1998, 1001, 135. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Rodrigues, C.T.; Duarte, M.A.H.; de Almeida, M.M.; de Andrade, F.B.; Bernardineli, N. Efficacy of CM-Wire, M-Wire, and Nickel-Titanium Instruments for Removing Filling Material from Curved Root Canals: A Micro–Computed Tomography Study. J. Endod. 2016, 42, 1651–1655. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Santos, L.D.A.; Resende, P.D.; Bahia, M.G.D.A.; Buono, V.T.L. Effects of R-Phase on Mechanical Responses of a Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Instrument: Structural Characterization and Finite Element Analysis. Sci. World J. 2016, 2016, 7617493. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  23. Yıldız, E.D.; Arslan, H. The effect of blue thermal treatment on endodontic instruments and apical debris extrusion during retreatment procedures. Int. Endod. J. 2019, 52, 1629–1634. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  24. Faus-Matoses, V.; Faus-Llácer, V.; Ruiz-Sánchez, C.; Gallego, S.P.; Zubizarreta-Macho, Á.; Solano-Mendoza, B.; Biedma, B.M.; Faus-Matoses, I. The Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Different Lengths of CM Gold Wire and CM Blue Wire NiTi Alloy Endodontic Rotary Files: An In Vitro Study. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 4612. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Tabassum, S.; Zafar, K.; Umer, F. Nickel-Titanium Rotary File Systems: What’s New? Eur. Endod. J. 2019, 4, 111–117. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  26. Gambarini, G.; Galli, M.; Di Nardo, D.; Seracchiani, M.; Donfrancesco, O.; Testarelli, L. Differences in cyclic fatigue lifespan between two different heat treated NiTi endodontic rotary instruments: WaveOne Gold vs. EdgeOne Fire. J. Clin. Exp. Dent. 2019, 11, e609–e613. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Peralta-Mamani, M.; Rios, D.; Duarte, M.A.H.; Junior, J.F.S.; Honório, H.M. Manual vs. rotary instrumentation in endodontic treatment of permanent teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am. J. Dent. 2019, 32, 311–324. [Google Scholar]
  28. Gil, J.; Rupérez, E.; Velasco, E.; Aparicio, C.; Manero, J.M. Mechanism of fracture of NiTi superelastic endodontic rotary instruments. J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Med. 2018, 29, 131. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. Haarsters, J.; Salis-Solio, G.; Bensmann. The Use of NiTi as an Implant Material in Orthopedics. In Shape Memory in Engineering Aspects of Shape Memory Alloys; Duering, T.W., Melton, K.N., Stöckel, D., Wayman, C.M., Eds.; Butterworth-Heinemann: London, UK, 1990; pp. 426–427. [Google Scholar]
  30. Hirsch, P.B. Electron Microscopy of Thin Crystals; Krieger Publishing Company: Malabar, FL, USA, 1965. [Google Scholar]
  31. Hughes, J.L. Evaluation of Nitinol for Use as a Material in the Construction of Orthopaedic Implants; DAMD 17-74-C-4041; US Army Medical Research and Development Command: Frederick, MD, USA, 1997; pp. 306–315. [Google Scholar]
  32. Iwasaki, K.; Hasiguti, R.S. Martensitic Transformation; The Institute of Metals: Lovaine, UK, 1982; pp. 198–210. [Google Scholar]
  33. Kaufman, L.; Cohen, M. Thermodynamics and kinetics of martensitic transformations. Prog. Met. Phys. 1958, 7, 165–246. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  34. Khalil, J.; Dlouhy, A.; Eggleler, G. Ni4Ti3—Precipitation during aging of NiTi shape memory alloys and its influence on martensitic phase transformation. Acta Mater. 2002, 50, 4255–4274. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Krousbroeck, R.; Van der Perre, G.; Aernoudt, E.; Mulier, J.C. Shape memory effect in biomedical devices. In Advances in Biomaterials; Winter, G.D., Gibbons, D.F., Plenk, H., Eds.; John Wiley & Sons: New York, NY, USA, 1982; Volume 3, p. 767. [Google Scholar]
  36. Michiardi, A.; Aparicio, C.; Planell, J.; Gil, F. New oxidation treatment of NiTi shape memory alloys to obtain Ni-free surfaces and to improve biocompatibility. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. Part B Appl. Biomater. 2006, 77B, 249–256. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. Middleton, L.; Kennon, N.; Dunne, D. Metallographic method for nitinol. Metallography 1985, 18, 51–59. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Miura, F.; Mogi, M.; Ohura, Y.; Hamanaka, H. The super-elastic property of the Japanese NiTi alloy wire for use in orthodontics. Am. J. Orthod. Dentofac. Orthop. 1986, 90, 1–10. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  39. Suárez, C.; Vilar, T.; Gil, J.; Sevilla, P. In vitro evaluation of surface topographic changes and nickel release of lingual orthodontic archwires. J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Med. 2010, 21, 675–683. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  40. Faus-Llácer, V.; Hamoud-Kharrat, N.; Ramos, M.T.M.; Faus-Matoses, I.; Zubizarreta-Macho, Á.; Sánchez, C.R.; Faus-Matoses, V. Influence of the Geometrical Cross-Section Design on the Dynamic Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of NiTi Endodontic Rotary Files—An In Vitro Study. J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10, 4713. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  41. Gutmann, J.L.; Gao, Y. Alteration in the inherent metallic and surface properties of nickel-titanium root canal instruments to enhance performance, durability and safety: A focused review. Int. Endod. J. 2012, 45, 113–128. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  42. Antony, A.; Varghese, N.O.; Pillai, R.; Sujathen, U.-N.; Sainudeen, S.; Paul, S. Resistance to torsional failure and cyclic fatigue resistance of ProTaper Next, WaveOne, and Mtwo files in continuous and reciprocating motion: An in vitro study. J. Conserv. Dent. 2016, 19, 225–230. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  43. Martins, J.N.R.; Silva, E.J.N.L.; Marques, D.; Belladonna, F.; Simões-Carvalho, M.; Vieira, V.T.L.; Antunes, H.S.; Fernandes, F.M.B.; Versiani, M.A. Design, metallurgical features, mechanical performance and canal preparation of six reciprocating instruments. Int. Endod. J. 2021, 54, 1623–1637. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  44. Ramezannejad, A.; Xu, W.; Qian, M. Ni-free superelastic titanium alloys for medical and dental applications. In Titanium in Medical and Dental Applications; Francis, H., Qian, F.M., Eds.; Woodhead Publishing Series in Biomaterials; Woodhead Pub-lishing: London, UK, 2018; pp. 591–611. ISBN 9780128124567. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  45. Bellini, H.; Moyano, J.; Gil, J.; Puigdollers, A. Comparison of the superelasticity of different nickel–titanium orthodontic archwires and the loss of their properties by heat treatment. J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Med. 2016, 27, 158. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  46. Arciniegas, M.; Gaillard, Y.; Pena, J.; Manero, J.M.; Gil, F.J. Thermoelastic phase transformation in TiNi alloys under cyclic instrumented indentation. Intermetallics 2009, 17, 784–791. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  47. Pastor, F.; Rodríguez, J.C.; Barrera, J.M.; García-Menocal, J.A.D.; Brizuela, A.; Puigdollers, A.; Espinar, E.; Gil, J. Effect of Fluoride Content of Mouthwashes on Superelastic Properties of NiTi Orthodontic Archwires. Materials 2022, 15, 6592. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  48. Gil, F.J.; Planell, J.A. Shape memory alloys for medical applications. Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. Part H J. Eng. Med. 1998, 212, 473–488. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  49. Moghaddam, N.S.; Saedi, S.; Amerinatanzi, A.; Hinojos, A.; Ramazani, A.; Kundin, J.; Mills, M.J.; Karaca, H.; Elahinia, M. Achieving superelasticity in additively manufactured NiTi in compression without post-process heat treatment. Sci. Rep. 2019, 9, 41. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  50. You, Y.; Wang, J.; Su, X.; Guo, X.; Moumni, Z.; Zhang, W. Effect of plasticity on superelasticity and hysteretic dissipation of NiTi shape memory alloy. Mater. Today Commun. 2020, 24, 101137. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  51. Dutkiewicz, J.; Rogal, Ł.; Kalita, D.; Węglowski, M.; Błacha, S.; Berent, K.; Czeppe, T.; Antolak-Dudka, A.; Durejko, T.; Czujko, T. Superelastic Effect in NiTi Alloys Manufactured Using Electron Beam and Focused Laser Rapid Manufacturing Methods. J. Mater. Eng. Perform. 2020, 29, 4463–4473. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  52. Guilemany, J.M.; Gil, F.J. Determination of the relationship between Ms and As transformation temperatures and chemical composition for Cu-Al-Zn-Mn shape memory alloys. Mater. Lett. 1990, 10, 145–148. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  53. Gil, F.X.; Manero, J.M.; Planell, J.A. Relevant aspects in the clinical applications of NiTi shape memory alloys. J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Med. 1996, 7, 403–406. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  54. Plotino, G.; Grande, N.M.; Cordaro, M.; Testarelli, L.; Gambarini, G. A Review of Cyclic Fatigue Testing of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments. J. Endod. 2009, 35, 1469–1476. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Figure 1. F6 SkyTiper@ 25.06 endodontic rotary files used.
Figure 1. F6 SkyTiper@ 25.06 endodontic rotary files used.
Materials 16 04089 g001
Figure 2. Scheme of the different molds for the endodontics tests. 30°, 45°, and 70° angles have been used, which are common angles in the clinic [27].
Figure 2. Scheme of the different molds for the endodontics tests. 30°, 45°, and 70° angles have been used, which are common angles in the clinic [27].
Materials 16 04089 g002
Figure 3. Austenitic observed at different magnifications as-received NiTi endodontic rotary file. High grain size and the absence of impurities, twins, or other defects can be seen.
Figure 3. Austenitic observed at different magnifications as-received NiTi endodontic rotary file. High grain size and the absence of impurities, twins, or other defects can be seen.
Materials 16 04089 g003
Figure 4. Martensite stabilized by stress after the fracture of the endodontic rotary file after 1200 s of use. The stress-induced martensite plates do not have an orientation because the torsional stresses do not have a unique direction.
Figure 4. Martensite stabilized by stress after the fracture of the endodontic rotary file after 1200 s of use. The stress-induced martensite plates do not have an orientation because the torsional stresses do not have a unique direction.
Materials 16 04089 g004
Figure 5. Fractography of the endodontic rotary file after 1250 cycles. (A) Location of crack initiation on the file surface. (B) Crack propagation towards the inside of the file. The striations indicate the direction of crack propagation. (C) Ductile fracture of the cutter with significant plastic deformation. (D) Corrosion pitting on the fracture surface. The pitting is observed in the direction of crack advancement, as these are the areas of highest energy.
Figure 5. Fractography of the endodontic rotary file after 1250 cycles. (A) Location of crack initiation on the file surface. (B) Crack propagation towards the inside of the file. The striations indicate the direction of crack propagation. (C) Ductile fracture of the cutter with significant plastic deformation. (D) Corrosion pitting on the fracture surface. The pitting is observed in the direction of crack advancement, as these are the areas of highest energy.
Materials 16 04089 g005
Table 1. Cycles to fracture for the F6 SkyTaper® file at different angles.
Table 1. Cycles to fracture for the F6 SkyTaper® file at different angles.
AngleCycles (s)
301250
45760
70250
Table 2. Transformation and retransformation temperatures and enthalpies for different cycles at different angles.
Table 2. Transformation and retransformation temperatures and enthalpies for different cycles at different angles.
AngleCycles (s)MsMfAsAfHA–M (J/g)HM–A (J/g)
300155−374.342−4.312
3060166−494.001−3.987
30150167−1103.275−3.128
302001790112.908−2.897
450155−374.342−4.312
4560163−593.765−3.234
45150171−4122.001−2.289
4520020−5−9141.621−1.713
700155−374.342−4.312
7060184−4102.009−2.347
70150203−2151.512−1.298
702002321191.110−1.112
Table 3. Transformation temperatures and enthalpies for each heat treatment for 20 min.
Table 3. Transformation temperatures and enthalpies for each heat treatment for 20 min.
AngleTemperature (°C)MsMfAsAfHA–M (J/g)HM–A (J/g)
30300------
3040046264434.001−3.987
30500153−3102.178−2.136
45300------
4540037164332.934−2.923
45500163−594.365−4.234
70300
70400280−3241.621−1.713
70500146−274.333−4.322
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Sánchez, P.; Vidi, B.; Mena-Alvarez, J.; Gil, J.; Rico, C.; Aragoneses, J.M. Effect of Stabilized Martensite on the Long-Term Performance of Superelastic NiTi Endodontic Files. Materials 2023, 16, 4089. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16114089

AMA Style

Sánchez P, Vidi B, Mena-Alvarez J, Gil J, Rico C, Aragoneses JM. Effect of Stabilized Martensite on the Long-Term Performance of Superelastic NiTi Endodontic Files. Materials. 2023; 16(11):4089. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16114089

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sánchez, Patricia, Benedetta Vidi, Jesús Mena-Alvarez, Javier Gil, Cristina Rico, and Juan Manuel Aragoneses. 2023. "Effect of Stabilized Martensite on the Long-Term Performance of Superelastic NiTi Endodontic Files" Materials 16, no. 11: 4089. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16114089

APA Style

Sánchez, P., Vidi, B., Mena-Alvarez, J., Gil, J., Rico, C., & Aragoneses, J. M. (2023). Effect of Stabilized Martensite on the Long-Term Performance of Superelastic NiTi Endodontic Files. Materials, 16(11), 4089. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16114089

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop