Microstructure of Amalgam Surfaces

Amalgam surfaces were observed with a metallurgical and a scanning electron mi-croscope. No significant differences in sizes of matrix crystal grains were found be-tween the carved, burnished, and finished amalgams, or the superficial and inner layers. Numerous minute granular prom-inences eventually grew on the burnished surfaces. Polishing amalgam surfaces is important for obtaining high corrosion resistance.1-9 Skinner and Phillipsl claimed that surface crystals are disoriented by polishing with fine abrasives and that the surface appears to be a layer of amorphous material con