In this work, welded Au alloy joints, used for prosthesis supported by implants, have been studied before and after to laser welding processes. A refined dendritic microstructure was observed in the welding area. The base metal exhibited a two-phase granular microstructure with larger hardness and the appearance of Au precipitate. The electrochemical experiments, in NaCl 0,15 mol.L-1 solution at room temperature, which are appropriate to simulate corrosion at oral environment conditions, showed that the joint has a better performance when compared to base metal; probably due to the metallurgical structure in the region.
Laser welding; dental alloys; prosthesis supported by implants; Au alloy corrosion
