Metallurgical evaluation of a copper-based alloy for dental castings.
The present study was designed to evaluate the metallurgical properties of an experimental, low-cost copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel alloy for dental castings. Some specimens were subjected to heat treatment after induction casting. The extent of corrosion was determined by measuring weight loss of specimens stored in a sodium sulfite solution. In the as-cast specimens, tests demonstrated the presence of three phases: the first consisted of copper-zinc-aluminum, the second was similar but lower in copper and aluminum, and the third consisted of an intermetallic compound of manganese-nickel-phosphorus. After heat treatment, the first phase remained relatively constant, the second was converted to Cu3Al, and the third increased in volume. The weight loss from the as-cast specimens was eight times that of the heat-treated specimens. It was concluded that the heat treatment substantially changed the microstructure and improved the corrosion resistance of the experimental alloy.
Guastaldi
A C
AC
Chemistry Institute, Julio de Mesquita Filho University (UNESP), Araraquara, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Lacefield
W R
WR
Leinfelder
K F
KF
Mondelli
J
J
D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry*; D003343:Corrosion; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry*; D003735:Dental Casting Technique; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008422:Materials Testing; D008669:Metallurgy
D003722:Dental Alloys; D003300:Copper