Colorizing titanium-6aluminum-4vanadium alloy using electrochemical anodization: Developing a color chart

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Electrochemical anodization is utilized for coloring titanium alloys, particularly in dentistry for identification.
• The colorization process depends on specific voltage applications to titanium alloys within an electrolyte.
• Different titanium alloys exhibit varying anodization capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a standardized color reference scale for anodized titanium-6aluminum-4vanadium.
• To correlate specific colors with applied voltages for dental identification purposes.
• To address the common use of titanium-6aluminum-4vanadium as an abutment material.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical anodization of titanium-6aluminum-4vanadium.
• Systematic variation of applied voltage during anodization.
• Development of a visual color reference scale based on voltage-induced color changes.

Main Results:

• A distinct relationship was established between applied voltage and the resulting color of anodized titanium-6aluminum-4vanadium.
• The study generated a specific color reference scale for this commonly used dental alloy.
• Anodization feasibility and color outcomes were demonstrated to be voltage-dependent.

Conclusions:

• The developed color reference scale provides a reliable method for identifying titanium-6aluminum-4vanadium based on its anodized color.
• This tool aids in the accurate identification of dental abutment materials.
• Electrochemical anodization offers a viable technique for color customization of titanium alloys in dentistry.