Influence of Fluoride Content of Artificial Saliva on Metal Release from 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Foam for Dental Implant Applications

Highly porous 17-4 PH stainless steel foam for implant applications was produced by space holder technique. Metal release and weight loss from 17-4 PH stainless steel foams were investigated in fluoride added artificial saliva environment by static immersion test. An inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer was employed to measure the concentrations of various metal ions. Effects of fluoride content of artificial saliva on metal release and weight loss from the steel foams were investigated. Effects of immersion time, pH value and process parameters on the weight loss and metal release were determined. Pore morphology, pore size and mechanical properties of the 17-4 PH stainless steel foams were also characterized.