Particle size effect on structure and properties of dispersed Pd-containing dental amalgam

Focus of the study is to evaluate the effect of dispersant particle size on the structure and various properties of spherical matrix/irregular dispers ant admixed type Pd amalgams. The results indicate that amalgams prepared f rom smaller dispersant particles have a shorter setting time (faster amalga mation reaction), smaller setting expansion, higher eta' content and lower early stage gamma (2) content. Smaller dispersant particles also lead to a slightly higher compressive strength, lower creep value, more cathodic corr osion potential and less early stage mercury vapor release. The particle si ze effect on corrosion current density and chemical composition of gamma (1 ) phase in aged amalgam is less significant. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.