Properties of Dental Amalgam Mechanical properties 1.

Strength Dental amalgam is metal and has many of the characteristics of a metallic material. It is strong and has a relatively high elastic modulus. These two properties suggest that amalgam will not be appreciably deformed when placed in large cavities. Amalgam has the strongest compressive strength compared to other dental materials, but it is much weaker in tensile strength and shear strength. Therefore, amalgam should not be placed in thin layers where it will be exposed to tensile stress. Low copper amalgam has lower strength compared to high copper amalgam due to presence of gamma phase 2. The strength of dental amalgam depends on: i. Amount of mercury in final composition ii. Condensation technique iii. Size and shape of alloy particles iv. Porosity Properties Low copper amalgam High copper amalgam Tensile strength (MPa) 50-60 45-55 Flexural strength (MPa) 120-130 90-110 Compressive strength (MPa) 300-400 400-500 Creep (%) 1.0-2.5 0.05-1.0 Values for various properties of amalgams (Modified from: Ferracane, Jack L., Materials in dentistry: Principles and applications, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins) 2. Creep Creep is defined as a flow or dimensional change produced in a material under constant stress. Forces generated on amalgam during mastication may cause creep into open areas, such as margins and fractures. These fractures can be seen as marginal breakdown or ditching around amalgams in oral cavity. The factor that influences creep is presence of gamma phase 2 compound in set amalgam. This compound is relatively soft compared to the rest of the amalgam, and thus, is easily deformed. As such, low copper amalgams are more prone to creep than high copper amalgams. 3. Dimensional changes Initial shrinkage of amalgam occurs as mercury gets wet and begins to soak into the alloy particles, establishing a more intimate contact between the two components. Some of this shrinkage is compensated for by an expansion of the amalgam as the gamma phase 1 matrix crystals grow, pushing out against one

another and the original alloy particles. The net result of these dimensional changes, for most amalgams, is a small contraction which leaves a small gap at margins of restorations. Chemical properties 1. Electrochemical corrosion This corrosion requires an electrochemical cell to occur, which comprises of anode (e.g. amalgam), cathode (e.g. gold), and electrolyte (e.g. saliva). It is associated with gamma 2 phase which is more electronegative. Gamma 2 phase acts as anode in saliva as electrolyte. Galvanic corrosion occurs when dissimilar metals with different electrical potential are in direct physical contact. Crevice corrosion are corrosions in narrow spaces caused by localized electrochemical process and chemical changes. It fills the tooth/amalgam interface with corrosion products, reducing microleakage and sealing the margins. 2. Chemical corrosion (tarnish) Tarnish is a process by which a metal surface is discoloured through formation of a layer of material such as oxide or sulphide. This phenomenon is due to the chemical reaction with the environment. Tarnish causes no changes in mechanical properties and does not cause deterioration of the amalgam material.

Source: Ferracane, Jack L. (2001), Materials in Dentistry: Principles and Application 2nd Ed, Lippincotts Williams and Wilkins