Elemental Analysis of a Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) Pediatric Rotary File Coated With Graphene Oxide: An Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis

Background: Graphene oxide (GO) coatings have emerged as a promising method to enhance materials' surface properties and mechanical performance. In the context of endodontic files, the efficacy of these instruments is critically dependent on the properties of their outermost layer. Surface treatments and coatings can substantially improve these characteristics. GO has been utilized to create nanocomposite coatings to enhance files' surface attributes and mechanical performance.

Aim: This research aimed to study the elemental analysis of a nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) pediatric rotary file coated with GO using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis.

Methods: This study used Ni-Ti pediatric rotary files, each 16 mm in length and with an International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) tip size of #25. Before coating, the existing titanium oxide layer on the files was removed. The GO coating was then applied via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The chemical composition of the GO-coated endodontic files was analyzed through EDX spectroscopy, and the results were represented in graphical form to evaluate the effectiveness of the coating.

Results: Elemental analysis revealed a significant increase in the weight percentage of carbon (C) across most of the GO-coated files. In contrast, oxygen (O) was more prevalent at the tip and cutting edge, with its weight percentage decreasing along the shaft. These findings indicate the successful deposition of GO on the external surfaces of the coated endodontic files.

Conclusion: GO coatings were effectively applied to Ni-Ti endodontic instruments using EPD. EDX analysis verified uniform deposition of the GO coating across the surface of the Ni-Ti rotary instruments.