Biomaterial Database

Microprobe analysis of three high-copper amalgams. 1984

D B Mahler, and J D Adey

Three single-composition, high-copper amalgams were analyzed for the composition of their before- and after-reaction phases. The method used was electron probe microanalysis. The results may be summarized as follows: All alloys consist essentially of Ag3Sn (gamma), Cu3Sn (epsilon), and, in some cases, Ag4Sn (beta). When the original alloy contains higher amounts of Cu, more Cu is found in solution in the Ag3Sn (gamma) and Ag4Sn (beta) phases. The reaction phases in amalgams made from these alloys consist essentially of Ag22Sn Hg27(gamma 1) and Cu6Sn5 (eta'), with no detectable Sn8Hg (gamma 2). When In is present, it is found principally in the Ag3Sn (gamma) and Ag22Sn Hg27(gamma 1) phases, and both the gamma and gamma 1 phases are of different composition than that for the other alloys. When Pd is present, it is found principally in the Cu3Sn (epsilon), Cu6Sn5 (eta'), and Ag22Sn Hg27(gamma 1) phases.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008669	Metallurgy	The science, art, or technology dealing with processes involved in the separation of metals from their ores, the technique of making or compounding the alloys, the techniques of working or heat-treating metals, and the mining of metals. It includes industrial metallurgy as well as metallurgical techniques employed in the preparation and working of metals used in dentistry, with special reference to orthodontic and prosthodontic appliances. (From Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p494)	Heavy Industries,Industries, Heavy,Heavy Industry,Industry, Heavy
D002627	Chemistry, Physical	The study of CHEMICAL PHENOMENA and processes in terms of the underlying PHYSICAL PHENOMENA and processes.	Physical Chemistry,Chemistries, Physical,Physical Chemistries
D003300	Copper	A heavy metal trace element with the atomic symbol Cu, atomic number 29, and atomic weight 63.55.	Copper-63,Copper 63
D003722	Dental Alloys	A mixture of metallic elements or compounds with other metallic or metalloid elements in varying proportions for use in restorative or prosthetic dentistry.	Alloy, Dental,Alloys, Dental,Dental Alloy
D003723	Dental Amalgam	An alloy used in restorative dentistry that contains mercury, silver, tin, copper, and possibly zinc.	Amalgam, Dental,Amalgams, Dental,Dental Amalgams
D004577	Electron Probe Microanalysis	Identification and measurement of ELEMENTS and their location based on the fact that X-RAYS emitted by an element excited by an electron beam have a wavelength characteristic of that element and an intensity related to its concentration. It is performed with an electron microscope fitted with an x-ray spectrometer, in scanning or transmission mode.	Microscopy, Electron, X-Ray Microanalysis,Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission, Electron Microscopic,Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission, Electron Probe,X-Ray Emission Spectrometry, Electron Microscopic,X-Ray Emission Spectrometry, Electron Probe,X-Ray Microanalysis, Electron Microscopic,X-Ray Microanalysis, Electron Probe,Microanalysis, Electron Probe,Spectrometry, X Ray Emission, Electron Microscopic,Spectrometry, X Ray Emission, Electron Probe,X Ray Emission Spectrometry, Electron Microscopic,X Ray Emission Spectrometry, Electron Probe,X-Ray Microanalysis,Electron Probe Microanalyses,Microanalyses, Electron Probe,Microanalysis, X-Ray,Probe Microanalyses, Electron,Probe Microanalysis, Electron,X Ray Microanalysis,X Ray Microanalysis, Electron Microscopic,X Ray Microanalysis, Electron Probe
D012834	Silver	An element with the atomic symbol Ag, atomic number 47, and atomic weight 107.87. It is a soft metal that is used medically in surgical instruments, dental prostheses, and alloys. Long-continued use of silver salts can lead to a form of poisoning known as ARGYRIA.
D014001	Tin	A trace element that is required in bone formation. It has the atomic symbol Sn, atomic number 50, and atomic weight 118.71.	Stannum
D055598	Chemical Phenomena	The composition, structure, conformation, and properties of atoms and molecules, and their reaction and interaction processes.	Chemical Concepts,Chemical Processes,Physical Chemistry Concepts,Physical Chemistry Processes,Physicochemical Concepts,Physicochemical Phenomena,Physicochemical Processes,Chemical Phenomenon,Chemical Process,Physical Chemistry Phenomena,Physical Chemistry Process,Physicochemical Phenomenon,Physicochemical Process,Chemical Concept,Chemistry Process, Physical,Chemistry Processes, Physical,Concept, Chemical,Concept, Physical Chemistry,Concept, Physicochemical,Concepts, Chemical,Concepts, Physical Chemistry,Concepts, Physicochemical,Phenomena, Chemical,Phenomena, Physical Chemistry,Phenomena, Physicochemical,Phenomenon, Chemical,Phenomenon, Physicochemical,Physical Chemistry Concept,Physicochemical Concept,Process, Chemical,Process, Physical Chemistry,Process, Physicochemical,Processes, Chemical,Processes, Physical Chemistry,Processes, Physicochemical