The effect of finishing on the anodic polarization of high-copper amalgams

The influence of surface finishing procedures on the corrodibility of high-copper amalgams was measured. Anodic polarization curves were determined in Ringer's solution for amalgam samples made from a dispersion and a ternary alloy. Three types of finishes were compared: as carved, burnished, and polished. The polarization curves of the burnished and polished specimens were statistically similar (P greater than 0.05) at all potentials investigated. The carved samples exhibited higher corrosion currents at most of the potentials investigated.