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 dispersant admixed type Pd amalgams. The results indicate that amalgams prepared from smaller dispersant particles have a shorter setting time (faster amalgamation reaction), smaller setting expansion, higher eta' content and lower early stage gamma2 content. Smaller dispersant particles also lead to a slightly higher compressive strength, lower creep value, more cathodic corrosion potential and less early stage mercury vapor release. The particle size effect on corrosion current density and chemical composition of gamma1 phase in aged amalgam is less significant.