Corrosion Resistance of Cr–Co Alloys Subjected to Porcelain Firing Heat Treatment—In Vitro Study

The procedure of ceramics fusion to cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) base dental crowns affects their corrosion behavior and biological tolerance. This study’s purpose was to comparatively evaluate the effect of heat treatment (HT) applicable for dental ceramics firing on the corrosion properties among Co–Cr base alloys fabricated via different methods: casting (CST), milling soft metal and post sintering (MSM), and selective laser melting (SLM). All specimens were subjected to a heat treatment corresponding to a full firing schedule. The microstructure and elemental composition of oxidized surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Corrosion properties were examined by electrochemical potentiodynamic polarization tests. The values of jcorr, Ecorr, Rp, and breakdown potential Ebr were estimated. The oxide layers formed during the HT process corresponded to the composition of the original alloys’ structure. Among the thermal treated alloys, SLM showed the highest corrosion resistance, followed by the MSM and CST. This may be attributed to uniform distribution of alloying elements in homogenous structure and to the reduced porosity, which enhances corrosion resistance and decreases the risk of crevice corrosion. The overall corrosion behavior was strongly influenced by the segregation of alloying elements in the microstructure, thus, is directly determined by the manufacturing method.