Tinela Panaite, Cristian Liviu Romanec, Mihnea Iacob, Raluca-Maria Vieriu, Alice Chehab, Irina Nicoleta Zetu, Carina Balcos, Carmen Savin
Abstract
This study investigates the structural characterization of orthodontic mini-implants made from Ti6Al4V alloy and 316L stainless steel before and after heat treatment using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analysis was performed using a PANalytical X’Pert PRO MPD diffractometer to evaluate the crystallographic structure, phase composition, and changes induced by thermal processing. Diffraction patterns revealed characteristic peaks corresponding to the α and β phases in Ti6Al4V and specific crystallographic planes in 316L stainless steel.For Ti6Al4V, the results indicated consistent crystallographic structures before and after heat treatment, with prominent peaks at approximately 30.6215° 2Theta. However, subtle modifications in peak intensity and width suggested alterations in microstructure. Similarly, heat-treated 316L samples exhibited changes in peak positions, intensities, and widths, reflecting shifts in lattice spacing and crystalline phases.The findings demonstrate that heat treatment influences the structural properties of both materials, optimizing their performance for clinical applications. The study underscores the utility of XRD in evaluating the crystallinity, phase composition, and microstructural consistency of mini-implants, providing valuable insights for enhancing their design, stability, and reliability in orthodontic treatments.
DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.1.17.93