• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.39-49
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• 1986

The purpose of this study was to observe characteristic properties through the polarization curves and SEM images from 4 different types of amalgam obtained by using the potentiostats (Princeton EG & G) & SEM (Jeol/35), and to investigate the degree of corrosion on the oxidation peak of the each phase of amalgam. After each amalgam alloy and Hg was triturated as the direction of the manufacturer by means of the mechanical amalgamator (Shofu Co.), the triturated mass was inserted into the cylindrical metal mold which was 12mm in diameter and 10.0mm in height and was condensed by using routine manner. The specimen was removed from the mold and stored at room temperature for about 24 hours. The standard surface preparation was routinely carried out. Anodic polarization measurement was employed to confirm the corrosion behaviour of the amalgams in a 0.9% saline solution (P.H: 6.8-7.0) at $37^{\circ}C$. The initial rest potential (corrosion potential) was determined after 30 minutes of immersion of specimen in electrolyte, and the potential scan was begun at the point of 100mV cathodic from the corrosion potential. The scan rate was 0.17mV/sec. in the study to observe the degree of corrosion of each phase. SEI and EPMA images on the determined oxidation peaks of each amalgam were observed. The results were as follows: 1. In the four anodic polarization curves, low copper amalgams have three oxidation peaks and high copper amalgams have two oxidation peaks, -270mV, +26mV and +179mV(SEC) in the low copper lathe cut, and -300mV, +39mV and +163mV(SEC) in the low copper spherical. -4mV and +154mV(SEC) in the Dispersalloy, and +17mV and +180mV(SEC) in the Tytin as high copper amalgams. 2. ${\gamma}_2$ phase in the low copper amalgam and ${\eta}$ phase in the high copper amalgam were the most corrodible phases and Ag-Cu eutectic in high copper amalgam was the most slowly corroded phase. 3. Low copper amalgam was more susceptible in corrosion than high copper amalgam.