SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY ON NEW DENTAL ALLOYS

Surface analytical methods such as scanning force microscopy (SFM), sc anning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to determine the surface properties of amalgam substit utes as tooth filling materials. In particular the corrosion and the p assivation behavior of new gallium restorative materials were studied. To give relevant practical data, the measurements were performed with and without the alloys being stored in artificial saliva to simulate physiological oral conditions.