Povidone-iodine as a corrosion inhibitor towards a low modulus beta Ti-45Nb implant alloy in a simulated body fluid

Povidone-iodine and various bactericidal agents used in dental procedures may affect the corrosion response of an implant/prosthesis in the oral environment. The effect of various concentrations of povidone-iodine (PI) on the corrosion behavior of a low modulus beta titanium alloy, Ti-45Nb, has been investigated in normal saline solution. The open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization measurements have been used to assess the electrochemical response of the alloy surface on PI addition so as to effectively predict the prosthetic treatment outcome. As the concentration of PI is increased, the corrosion rate decreases, suggested by decreased R(p) values. Povidone-iodine acts as an anodic inhibitor by adsorbing on the anodic sites of the alloy. Addition of PI to a simulated body fluid such as normal saline leads to a decrease in corrosion rate of Ti-45Nb alloy.