Components 

a. Fillers added to most to control shrinkage
b. Matrix

Effects of Amalgam.

(1) The combined effects of the properties of its ingredients should provide the most satisfactory restorative material.

(2) Quantity of mercury. Too little mercury in the mix results in a grainy, weak, readily tarnished, and corroded amalgam. Too much mercury will cause excessive expansion and weakened amalgam.

 (3) Composition of the alloy. Composition of the alloy must include a minimum of 65 percent silver, a maximum of 29 percent tin, a maximum of 6 to 13 percent copper, and a maximum of two percent zinc by weight

 (4) Correct proportion important. Before use, the silver alloy is mixed with pure and uncontaminated mercury. There are some alloys that are completely zinc free. They can therefore be used more successfully in a moisture-contaminated environment.

 (5) Properties of the finished product.

Silver imparts strength, durability, and color, gives the alloy desirable setting expansion, decreases flow, and accelerates (decreases) the setting time.

Tin makes the amalgam easier to work, controls excessive setting expansion, and increases both flow and setting time.

Copper increases hardness, contributes to setting expansion, reduces flow, and decreases setting time.

Zinc increases workability, and unites with oxygen and other "impurities" to produce a clean amalgam.

Zinc Phoshate Cement

Uses. Zinc phosphate cement is used both as an intermediate base and as a cementing medium. 

(1) Intermediate base. A thick mix  is used under permanent metallic restoration. This layer of cement protects the pulp from sudden temperature changes that may be transmitted by the metallic restoration. 

(2) Cementing medium. Zinc phosphate cement is used to permanently cement crowns, inlays, and fixed partial dentures upon the remaining tooth structure. A creamy mix of cement is used to seat the restoration or appliance completely into place. The cementing medium does not cement two objects together. Instead, the cement holds the objects together by mechanical interlocking, filling the space between the irregularities of the tooth preparation and the cemented restoration

c. Chemical Composition. 

(1) Powder. primary ingredients - zinc oxide and magnesium oxide. 
(2) Liquid. Phosphoric acid and water in the ratio of two parts acid to one part water. The solution may also contain aluminum phosphate and zinc phosphate Liquids exposed in open bottles will absorb moisture from the air in high humidity. The liquids will lose moisture if humidity is low. Water gain hastens setting; water loss lengthens setting time.
 
PROPERTIES OF ZINC PHOSPHATE CEMENT

a. Advantages. Some advantages of zinc phosphate cement as a cementing medium are:

o    Inconspicuous appearance. 
o    Speed and ease of usage. 
o    Sufficient flow to form a thin layer for the cementing of closely adapted crowns, fixed partial dentures, and inlays. 
o    Low thermal conductivity beneath a metallic restoration.

b. Disadvantages. Some disadvantages of zinc phosphate cement as a cementing medium are:

o    Low crushing strength that varies between 12,000 and 19,000 psi. 
o    Slight solubility in mouth fluids. 
o    Opaque material not suitable for visible surfaces. 

c. Strength. The ratio of powder to liquid increases the strength of phosphate cements to a certain point. For this reason, the dental specialist must use as thick a mix as practical for the work being performed. 

SETTING REACTIONS OF ZINC PHOSPHATE CEMENT 

a. Chemical Reaction. The chemical reaction that takes place between the powder and liquid of setting phosphate cement produces heat. The amount of heat produced depends upon the rate of reaction, the size of the mix, and the amount of heat extracted by the mixing slab. 

b. Powder to Liquid Ratio. The less powder used in ratio to the liquid, the longer the cement will take to harden. Good technique minimizes the rise in temperature and acidity of the setting cement that can injure the pulp. Generally, for increased strength, decreased shrinkage, and resistance to solubility, it is advisable to blend as much powder as possible to reach the desired consistencies. 

c. Setting Time. The setting time of zinc phosphate cement is normally between 5 and 9 minutes. 
 Lower the temperature of the glass mixing slab to between 65° and 75° F (18° to 24° C), if the glass mixing slab is not already cooled below the temperature at which moisture will condense on it. → Blend the powder slowly. →  Mix the powder over a large area of the cool slab. →  Use a longer mixing time, within optimum limits. 
 
Precautions. The following precautions should be observed. 

o    Prevent loss or gain of moisture in liquid cement by keeping bottles tightly stoppered. 
o    Dispense drops only when ready to mix. 
o    Use a cool, dry glass slab (65° to 75° F). 
o    Use the same brand of powder and liquid. 
o    Add increments of powder slowly. 
o    Use the maximum amount of powder to obtain the desired consistency. 

(To incorporate the most powder, the material should be mixed with a moderate circular motion over a large area of the slab, turning the spatula often.) 

Reaction

a. Calcium sulfate hemihydrate(one-half water) crystals dissolve and react with water
b. Calcium sulfate dihydrate(two waters) form and precipitate new crystals
c. Unreacted (excess) water is left between crystals in solid

Investment Materials

Investment is mold-making material

Applications

a. Mold-making materials for casting alloys
b. Mold-making materials for denture production

Classification

a. Gypsum-bonded investments (based on gypsum products for matrix)

b. Phosphate-bonded investments

c. Silicate-bonded investments

Components

a. Liquid-water or other reactant starts formation of matrix binder by reacting with reactant powder
b. Powder-reactant powder, filler, or modifiers

Manipulation

a. P/L mixed and placed in container around wax pattern
b. After setting, the investment is heated to eliminate the wax pattern in preparation for casting
 

Mercury bioactivity

• Metallic mercury is the least toxic from and is absorbed primarily through the lungs rather than the GI tract or skin
• Mercury in the body may come from air, water, food. dental (a low amount). Or medical sources
•  Half life for mercury elimination from body is 55 days .-
• mercury toxicity is <50 µm / m³ on average per 40-hour work week.
• Mercury hypersensitivity is estimated as less than 1 per 100,000,000 persons
• Indium-containing amalgams can have lower Hg vapor pressures than conventional dental amalgam