Palladium dental alloy

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed is: 1.
A homogeneous fine grained palladium alloy consisting essentially of
______________________________________
Weight Percent
______________________________________
Pd 70-82
Au 0.
1-10
In 5-10
Cu 2-5
Ga 0.
5-5
Sn 0.
5-5
Co 0.
9-2.
7
Re 0.
01-0.
3
______________________________________
and between 0.
08 and 0.
25% of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ru and Ir.
2.
The alloy of claim 1 containing between 74 and 80% Pd, between 2 and 5% Au, between 6 and 8% In, between 2.
5 and 3.
5% Cu, between 2.
5 and 4.
5% Ga, between 2.
5 and 3.
5% Sn, between 0.
63 and 2.
25% Co and between 0.
07 and 0.
25% Rh.
3.
The alloy of claim 1 or 2 containing Ru and Ir, each in an amount between 0.
04 and 0.
125%.
4.
The alloy of claim 3 consisting essentially of
______________________________________
Weight Percent
______________________________________
Pd 70-82
Au 0.
1-10
In 5-10
Cu 2-5
Ga 0.
5-5
Sn 0.
5-5
Co 0.
9-2.
7
Re 0.
01-0.
3
______________________________________
5.
The alloy of claim 1 or 2 containing Ru and Ir, each in an amount between 0.
04 and 0.
06%.




Description:
The present invention provides a palladium alloy useful as a dental alloy in the manufacture of dentures and other prosthetic devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Dental alloys must have a unique combination of properties.
They should have high strength and tarnish resistance.
They should have good castability, molding, working and burnishing characteristics so that they may be readily manufactured.
They should also be compatible with other dental materials such as porcelain which they contact and have a suitable coefficient of expansion.
The alloy must also have satisfactory color characteristics.
It should not be discolored or cause discoloration of other dental materials with which it is in contact during the manufacturing process and later in service