The significance of pH for the inhibiting effect of phosphate buffer on the corrosion processes

Abstract

The influence of pH on the protective effect of phosphate buffer on the corrosion processes was studied by measuring the amounts of elements released from a dental amalgam. The analyses were conducted by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The protective effect of phosphate buffer was reduced in solutions with low pH, and mercury could be detected in the solutions. Phosphate buffer maintained its aftereffect in the pH region 6.8-5.5. The flow rate of the solution did not influence the inhibiting effect of phosphate buffer.