INTERFACE ANALYSIS OF NEW TOOTH FILLING MATERIALS

Surface analytical methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning force microscopy (SFM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (ED X), and Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to study the s urface properties of amalgam substitutes as tooth filling materials. I n particular the corrosion resistance of new gallium restorative mater ials was determined. To give relevant practical data, the measurements were performed before and after storing the alloys in artificial sali va to simulate physiological oral conditions. Subsequently an analysis of the artificial saliva was carried out with atomic emission spectro scopy with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES). Selective corrosion o f different phases and a high gallium release could be determined.