Alloying elements, effect cadmium

Solders. Modem dental solders are made from mostly corrosion-resistant, nontoxic metals. Minimal quantities of tin and other elements are often added, some of which could produce toxic effects in the unalloyed state. Each solder is used for specific appHcations (180—188) typical compositions and properties of solders used in dentistry are presented in Table 11. Most of the ingredients of solders are resistant to corrosion, and alloying them with other ingredients renders the alloy safe for use in appHances placed in the oral environment. Silver solders corrode, but are used only for temporary appHances. Available products do not contain cadmium, although cadmium was an ingredient of some silver solders up to ca 1980. 

The particular concern of this paper is the effects of reduced temperatures on the high-magnesium-content aluminum alloys. Much of what applies to this group also applies to other elements and alloys, but has not been commented on because of the lack of time and space. It should be noted, though the significance of this observation is debatable, that aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, and many of their alloys, which have a face-centered cubic lattice, behave in much the same manner at low temperatures. For example, they do not become embrittled by extreme cold as do metals having other structures, such as ferritic iron, cadmium, magnesium, and zinc [2]. 

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