The electrochemical corrosion behaviour of sixteen currently marketed amalgams for dental fillings was studied in vitro under experimental conditions closely resembling those of clinical application. Depending upon the type of amalgam and the treatment of the filling the electrochemical corrosion currents varied over several orders of magnitude; their change as a function of time was also very different. Suggestions are made for a stability rating of the products based on the results obtained.

In situ Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy RAIRS of adsorbed CO and C 0 2 on copper, platinum and gold electrodes has been used to study the interaction between adsorbate and electrode and to identify products of reactions following the adsorption. COad on electrochemically roughened copper shows a Surface Enhanced Raman spectrum significantly different from the one recorded with RAIRS, this is attributed to the presence of different adsorption sites probed with these spectroscopies. Reduction of C 0 2 on platinum results in a CO-adsorbate with a vibrational behavior different from that of COad.

The electrochemical corrosion behaviour of 16 currently marketed amalgams for dental fillings was studied in vitro. Depending upon the type of amalgam and the treatment of the filling the electrochemical corrosion currents derived from cyclic voltammograms varied over several orders of magnitude. Their change as a function of time was also very different. Suggestions are made for a stability rating of the products based on the results obtained.