Effects of Ga addition on the mechanical properties of 35Ag-30Pd-20Au-15Cu alloy.

Ten 35Ag-30Pd-20Au-15Cu alloys containing 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 2.00, 4.00, or 6.00% Ga were experimentally prepared to investigate the effect of Ga on their mechanical properties in addition to their use for denture frameworks, connectors and clasps. The effect of Ga addition on the mechanical properties was marked with a significant increase in the tensile strength, 0.2% off-set proof stress (proof stress) and Vickers hardness observed at low Ga contents (0.25-2.00%). On the other hand, the elongation significantly decreased with the addition of Ga at all contents used in this study. The tensile strength, proof stress and Vickers hardness of the 35Ag-30Pd-20Au-15Cu alloys containing 0.25-2.00% Ga were in the range of 809-957 MPa, 669-857 MPa and 260-301 MPa, respectively. These values are similar to those of Co-Cr alloys, suggesting that 0.25-2.00% Ga alloys can be used for denture frameworks, clasps and connectors.