The Effect of Hydrofluoric Acid Surface Treatment on the Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of K3 NiTi Instruments

Figure 2

SEM images of the surfaces of as-received and HF-treated K3 instruments. As-received K3 files (a, c) revealed rough surfaces with metal roll-overs and machining marks. On the contrary, the HF-treated K3 (b, d) showed smoothening of rough surfaces. (a) As-received K3 instrument (×200). (b) HF-treated K3 instrument (×200). (c) As-received K3 instrument (×2,500). (d) HF-treated K3 instrument (×10,000). SEM: scanning electron microscope; HF: hydrofluoric acid.

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(b)

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