Large-area electron beam irradiation for surface polishing of cast titanium

Abstract

Cast titanium is a known hard-to-polish material, and its final polishing step is a perpetual challenge. The best way to tackle this challenge lies in automatic and non-mechanical polishing methods. Against this background, the suitability of large-area electron beam (EB) irradiation was examined in this study. In parallel, the optimum condition for efficient surface polishing was investigated. Cast titanium specimens were prepared, whereby their surface glossiness, surface roughness, and corrosion resistance were measured before and after EB irradiation. After EB irradiation, favorable results were observed: the cast titanium surface became smooth, the glossiness increased, and corrosion resistance was enhanced. These results were attributed to the low heat conductivity of titanium. With mechanical polishing, this property results in temperature rise and burnout reaction of the titanium surface with oxygen and the abrasives. However, during EB irradiation, the low heat conductivity of titanium was an advantage in raising the surface temperature to the melting point, such that a smooth surface was yielded after solidification. Based on the results obtained, automatic polishing by EB seemed to be a suitable polishing method for metal frameworks of removable dentures, and an efficient one too by saving time and effort.