INVESTIGATING THE PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH-COPPER AND SILVER DENTAL-FILLING AMALGAM ALLOYS

The aim of the present investigation is to study the physical and mechanical characteristics of dental-filling spherical high-copper and silver amalgams and to compare them with a common high-copper domestic unicompositional amalgam. In this study, cylindrical specimens were mechanically condensed according to the ISO 1559:1986 Standard in order to measure the compressive strength, Vickers hardness, static creep and dimensional change on setting. Adding more silver to the amalgam increased its compressive strength, creep resistance and reduced mercury vapor. After 1, 24 and 168h of amalgamation and Modulus of elasticity of specimen S1, the mean hardness and compressive fracture strength were significantly lower than those of. No significant differences were identified for the two alloys in the creep and dimensional changes on setting. It can be concluded that as far as the mechanical properties or corrosion resistance is concerned, the amalgam should be comprised of at least one spherical alloy.