[Effect of an additional cathode on the electrolytic-polishing of titanium specimens with non-aqueous electrolyte].

The purpose of this study was to polish electrolytically a large maxillary denture base-shaped titanium specimen with non-aqueous electrolyte. The test specimen was prepared by bending a sheet of titanium plate. An additional cathode was made by cutting off part of a cylindrical cathode. The effects of the shape and position of the additional cathode were investigated. Selected factors of the additional cathode were as follows: the connecting point between the additional cathode and the cylindrical cathode, the end position of the additional cathode, and the distance between the additional cathode and the titanium specimen. An acceptable polished titanium surface was obtained when the connecting point was below the electrolyte surface, the end position of the additional cathode was at a similar level to the bottom of the specimen, and the distance between the additional cathode and the specimen was 10 mm.