In vitro chloride corrosion behaviour of Dispersalloy

The in vitro chloride corrosion behaviour of Dispersalloy has been investigated by anodic polarization as a function of time after trituration (ageing) and compared with conventional dental amalgam. Dispersalloy is a commercial alloy containing a mechanical mixture of Ag₃Sn and Ag–Cu eutectic in the ratio 2:1. From measurement of 1 h corrosion potentials it was observed that over a time period of 1 year Dispersalloy became appreciably more noble (potential shift from –500mV to – 350 mV Vs. SCE), whereas the corrosion potential of conventional amalgam remains unchanged. Initial anodic polarization profiles for Dispersalloy indicated presence of y₂ and Cu₆Sn₅ phases as evidenced by presence of the –250 mV peak. However, the current density associated with this peak was about three times less than that of conventional amalgam. As a function of ageing time the polarization profile is shifted in the direction of decreasing current density and after 1 year the –250 mV peak is absent. The anodic polarization profile of conventional amalgam is unchanged after 1 year. The improved corrosion resistance of Dispersalloy is attributed to the formation of Cu₃Sn as a function of time due to solid state reaction between Ag–Cu eutectic and y₂.