Slide Behavior of New Type Orthodontic Wire in Saliva

Reciprocating slide behavior of new type orthodontic materials 13Cr24Mn0.44N stainless steel lubricated by water and saliva under small amplitude was studied. The wear mechanism was also investigated by SEM, EDS and XPS. Results show that the friction coefficient reduced due to the forming of soft surface film which was easy to shear in the saliva, and the remained debris in worn scar lubricated by water and saliva played the role of the ball which is similar to the ball bearing. The depth of worn scar increased with the load increasing in two medium, but negative interactive phenomenon appeared between wear and corrosion, the depth of worn scar in the saliva was less than that in the water. The worn scar appeared mild plough with distinct slot in the friction process in water. When the friction load was small, the worn scar looked alike whether lubricated in the saliva or in the water, and the wear mechanism was also mild plough with distinct slot, however it changed into fatigue flake with slight cut when the load was larger.