Brittle Fracture of Dental Amalgam

¹ University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan

A technique for studying the relationship of tensile strength to the microstructure of dental amalgaam has been developed. Application of the concept of two-phase materials allowed the microscopic observation of the path of the cracks induced by bending stresses. In order of the ease of penetration, the crack goes through the voids and 72 phase, through the grain boundaries of the 1 phase, around the phase, and then through. the phase.

The results of this experiment, although not conclusive, indicate that the properties of denttl amalgam may be determined by [see figure in the PDF file] [see figure in the PDF file] [see figure in the PDF file] [see figure in the PDF file] [see figure in the PDF file] [see figure in the PDF file] the impurities segregated at the grain boundaries of the matrix. This is a promising place to begin further research.