Journal of Dental Research, Vol 59, 124-128, Copyright © 1980 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Microscopic study of smooth silver-plated retention pins in amalgam
Y. Galindo, K. McLachlan and Z. Kasloff
A silver-plating technique was developed in an effort to produce good
mechanical bonding characteristics between stainless steel pins and
amalgam. Metallographic microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM)
studies were made to assess the presence, or otherwise, of such a bond
between (a) the silver layer plating and the surface of the stainless steel
pins, and (b) and silver plating and the amalgam. Unplated stainless steel
and sterling silver pins were used as a control and as a comparison,
respectively. A "rubbing" technique of condensation was devised closely
adapt amalgam to the pins. It is concluded that there is strong evidence
for the existence of a good bond between the plated pins and amalgam. The
mechanical performance of the bond is discussed elsewhere.
