[The effect of pH on anti-corrosion nature of amalgams]

Corrosion behavior of alloys are affected not only by themselves but also by environment, such as a change of pH. In this study, the corrosion behavior of four dental amalgams (L, C, DA, GK) in Fusayama saliva with different pH 6.65 and 4.00 are evaluated by electrochemical techniques. It seems that changes in pH may exert different effects on the four amalgams. In the acid environment DA exhibits best anti-corrosion nature and followed by GK, C, and L, which conforms to clinical observations. This may be resulted either from amalgams themselves or from conditions of corrosion products of amalgams' surface. Thus, consideration must be given to the changing oral environment when screening anti-corrosion alloys.