Copper Alloy for Dental Prosthesis with Golden Color
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current copper alloys for dental prostheses either lack the golden color and corrosion resistance of gold alloys due to high noble metal content or suffer from weak corrosion resistance and discoloration when attempting to replicate these properties without noble metals.
Innovation Solution
A copper alloy composition of 7-10% Al, 1-2.5% In, 1-2.5% Sn, 2-4% Fe, 2-3.5% Ni, 2.5-4% Mn, and 2-5% Zn, which maintains a golden color and enhances corrosion resistance without using expensive noble metals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If copper alloy is used to replace expensive noble metal alloy, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but corrosion resistance and golden color are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite copper alloy system combining Cu with Al, In, Sn, Fe, Ni, Mn, and Zn to achieve both cost-effectiveness and superior corrosion resistance. The synergistic interaction of multiple alloying elements produces a material that replicates gold alloy performance without using expensive noble metals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific compositional parameters within defined ranges (Al: 7-10%, In: 1-2.5%, Sn: 1-2.5%, Fe: 2-4%, Ni: 2-3.5%, Mn: 2.5-4%, Zn: 2-5%) to achieve the desired balance between cost, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appearance. This parameter optimization enables the alloy to maintain golden color while achieving excellent corrosion resistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If copper alloy is used to replace expensive noble metal alloy, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but golden color is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the compositional parameters, particularly the ratio of copper to alloying elements, to control the optical properties of the material. The specific composition ranges enable the alloy to exhibit a golden color similar to noble metal alloys while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
3Illumination intensity
If Al is added to copper alloy to achieve golden color, then color is improved, but corrosion resistance becomes weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Al with multiple other alloying elements (In, Sn, Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn) to create a composite alloy system where the corrosion resistance deficiencies of Al-copper are compensated by the synergistic effects of the additional elements, particularly In and Sn which enhance corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different alloying elements to address different functional requirements: Al and Zn for color, while In, Sn, Fe, Ni, and Mn provide corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Each element contributes specific local qualities to the overall alloy performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a copper alloy for dental prosthesis and specifically, to a copper alloy for dental prosthesis having such color and luster that the copper alloy can be used as a substitute for a gold alloy and having excellent resistance to corrosion, wherein the copper alloy comprises, in wt %, 7-10% of Al, 1-2.5% of In, 1-2.5% of Sn, 2-4% of Fe, 2-3.5% of Ni, 2.5-4% of Mn, 2-5% of Zn, and the balance Cu.