A galvanic study of different amalgams

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Abstract
Due to the difference in open circuit potential (OCP) versus SCE for Aristaloy amalgam (-969 mV) and Dispersalloy amalgam (-549 mV) in Ringer's solution at 25 degrees C, a galvanic cell was created with Dispersalloy amalgam as cathode and Aristaloy amalgam as anode. The galvanic corrosion current was studied as a function of time for the above cell as well as for a cell of type III dental gold (OCP is +0-5 mV) versus Aristaloy amalgam. The initial corrosion current of the latter cell (105 micronA) is about twice that for the cell of Aristaloy amalgam versus Dispersalloy amalgam (54 micronA), however, their passivating behaviour is quite similar. Also, an interrupted galvanic corrosion test simulating the oral 'make and break' situation was performed. A much higher corrosion current than the steady state was found when the two electrodes resumed contact.