Application of rapid solidification for production of dental amalgams

Abstract A technique of direct strip casting and rapid solidification has been used to produce high capacity melts of silver based powder alloys for dental amalgam. The properties of the amalgam were compared with those of conventional lathe cut or spherical powder amalgams. It was found that by optimising the size distribution and heat treatment, properties can be obtained to meet or excel international standards. The high cooling rate during rapid solidification produces a chemically homogeneous amalgam and its flake morphology gives superior workability in the mouth. The dimensional change (contraction) of in situ fillings is much reduced.MST/1520