Automotive electrical connectors are the essential components of a wiring harness. They are typically made of copper, which has excellent electrical conductivity. Due to the limited corrosion resistance of pure copper, connectors are often coated with other metals. In this paper, the qualities of coatings made of gold and tin are investigated and compared. The samples were examined by a metallographic microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The examination revealed uneven thickness, delamination of the coatings, and issues with the preparation of the core material for coating. Numerous burrs and irregularities were observed. Selected samples were examined in salt solution to test their corrosion resistance. Even though gold is a noble metal and its electrochemical potential is higher, the tin coating was more resistant to corrosion.
Conventional orthodontic treatment with stainless steel orthodontic wires may be detrimental to oral health, as it contributes to demineralized lesions and increases adhesion and bacterial biofilm formation, which contributes to cavity development. An alternative that has been investigated to reduce the side effects of orthodontic treatment is the use of coating materials with antimicrobial nanoparticles. This study aims to evaluate the antiadherent and antibacterial properties of TiO2-coated and TiO2:Ag-coated stainless steel orthodontic wires against S. mutans bacteria. Methods: In the sol–gel method, TiO2:Ag thin films were deposited on stainless steel orthodontic wires. Coated archwires were analyzed for their antibacterial and antiadherent properties. The evaluation of Streptococcus mutans adhesion to the orthodontic wires’ surface was conducted according to the type of coating used, biofilm formation assay, and measurement of the pH of the bacterial community. Results: In the microbiological test, the TiO2:Ag coatings revealed a statistically significant difference in terms of microbial adhesion and biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans. The TiO2:Ag coating on stainless steel wire increased pH levels in the saliva environment. Conclusions: It can be concluded that antimicrobial orthodontic wires coated with silver- TiO2 nanoparticles using the sol–gel thin film are a promising choice for improving orthodontic treatment.
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