Effect of Solidification Time on the Microstructure and Physical Properties of Dental Gold Casting Alloys

¹ University of Oregon Dental School, Portland, Oregon

The solidification and cooling curves of three inlay gold casting alloys were measured from clinical-sized castings made into investment molds at various mold temperatures. The sample castings were metallographically polished and observed under X 100 magnification to determine the grain size of the microstructure. An evaluation was made of the extent of porosity evident in each casting. Vicker's hardness tests and bending tests were performed on each sample. Statistically significant correlations were found between the times of solidification as produced by the different mold temperatures and the properties of these alloys. In general, as the soldification process was prolonged (higher mold temperatures), the grain size and extent of porosity were increased. Likewise, the hardness, proof stress, and modulus of elasticity were decreased.

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				M. Okazaki, J. Takahashi, H. Kimura, and K. Ida Estimation of Solidification Time During Casting by Use of a Heat Transfer Model Journal of Dental Research, October 1, 1982; 61(10): 1188 - 1191. [PDF]