Behavior of three high-Cu amalgams.
Amalgams made from three single-composition high-Cu alloys of the same nominal composition were investigated for differences in creep behavior. The curves of creep vs. final Hg content for all three alloys showed a sudden creep increase (jump) at approximately 46% final Hg content. Previous studies have shown this creep jump to be associated with the initiation of the Sn--Hg phase (gamma 2). The anticipated final Hg content in clinical restorations for two of these alloys is below the creep jump and gamma 2 would not be expected. On the other hand, the clinical Hg content for the third alloy was above its creep jump and gamma 2 would be expected. The effect on clinical behavior of this finding require further investigation.
D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000032:analysis; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
D003300:Copper; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D008628:Mercury