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 η′ content and lower early stage γ₂ 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 γ₁ phase in aged amalgam is less significant.