NANOSILVER-REINFORCED AgSn ALLOYS FOR DENTAL APPLICATIONS: MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR AND HARDNESS

Aim: AgSn alloys of different compositions were prepared by direct mixing with silver nanoparticles, synthesized, in turn, by an environmentally-friendly method. Method: The procedure was carried out by following the standard technique for preparing dental materials and devices. A detailed mechanical characterization, including the maximum elongation at break, the ultimate tensile strength and the hardness of the resulting nanocomposites, was obtained and numerically fitted by statistically-significant equations Result: The results show improved mechanical performance, as compared to standard materials used in dentistry, in particular amalgams. Conclusion: The procedure described allows to produce low cost materials with tailored mechanical properties.