title: Efficiency of mechanical trituration of amalgam. III. Practical comparisons.
abstract: The performance of a range of amalgamators, capsules and pestles was studied using the criterion of "success time", and the results discussed in terms of the parameters Power Number and capsule length:amplitude ratio. Simple modifications of amalgamator design to improve efficiency have been identified; high oscillation frequency appears to be unnecessary. Pestle diameter was shown to be most relevant to its role in trituration, mass and length being relatively unimportant. Wide variation in alloys under standard conditions was observed, possible factors are discussed. Parasitic oscillations were shown to be important in modifying amalgamator performance.
mesh_terms: D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D003762:Dental Instruments; D004526:Efficiency
chemical_list: D003723:Dental Amalgam