Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo

Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo

Published on: July 1, 2013

Microtomographic porosity determination in alginate mixed with various methods.

Martin J Hamilton¹, Kraig S Vandewalle, Howard W Roberts

¹United States Air Force, Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency, Travis AFB, CA, USA.

Journal of Prosthodontics : Official Journal of the American College of Prosthodontists

|May 12, 2010

Summary

The vacuum mixer demonstrated superior performance in reducing alginate porosities compared to centrifugal and semiautomated hand mixers. This mechanical mixing method resulted in fewer voids and smaller porosity volumes for improved dental casts.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Bond Strength of a Self-Adhesive Universal Resin Cement to Enamel and Dentin with or without an Adhesive Bonding Agent.

Journal of clinical and experimental dentistry·2025

Same author

Effects of Simulated Field Storage Conditions on Common Dental Medications.

Military medicine·2025

Same author

Clinical Performance of 3D-Printed Provisional Dental Crowns.

Military medicine·2025

Same author

Evaluation of Irradiance and Composite Depth of Cure with a Laser Curing Light over Distance: An <i>In Vitro</i> Study.

The journal of contemporary dental practice·2025

Same author

A Survey of Continuing Education Needs of Military General Dentists.

Military medicine·2025

Same author

Evaluation of Vitamin D Levels in a Military Associated Population With Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis.

Military medicine·2025

Area of Science:

Dental Materials Science
Biomaterials Engineering
Material Characterization

Background:

Mechanical spatulation of alginate impression materials aims to minimize voids and enhance cast quality compared to manual mixing.
Existing mechanical methods include vacuum mixers and semiautomated rotating bowl systems.
A new centrifugal-action mixer has been introduced, promising more efficient powder incorporation.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantitatively assess the number, percentage, and volume distribution of porosities in alginate mixed by three distinct mechanical methods.
To compare the efficacy of a vacuum mixer, a semiautomated hand mixer, and a new centrifugal mixer in reducing alginate porosity.
To utilize microtomography for a non-destructive analysis of alginate mixing-induced porosities.

Main Methods:

More Related Videos

Microbubble Fabrication of Concave-porosity PDMS Beads

Microbubble Fabrication of Concave-porosity PDMS Beads

Published on: December 15, 2015

Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications

Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications

Published on: August 12, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo

Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo

Published on: July 1, 2013

Microbubble Fabrication of Concave-porosity PDMS Beads

Microbubble Fabrication of Concave-porosity PDMS Beads

Published on: December 15, 2015

Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications

Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications

Published on: August 12, 2012

Alginate was mechanically mixed using three methods: vacuum mixer, semiautomated hand mixer, and centrifugal mixer, following manufacturer instructions.
The set alginate samples were analyzed using microtomography and specialized software to quantify porosity.
Statistical analysis involved Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests to compare porosity parameters between groups.

Main Results:

Significant differences (p < 0.001) in porosity number, percentage, and volume distribution were observed across the three mixing methods.
The vacuum mixer yielded significantly fewer porosities (both in number and percentage) compared to the centrifugal and semiautomated hand mixers.
Both vacuum and centrifugal mixers produced significantly smaller porosity volumes than the semiautomated hand mixer.

Conclusions:

The vacuum mixer exhibited the best overall performance in minimizing the number, percentage, and volume of porosities in alginate.
Mechanical mixing significantly impacts alginate porosity, with vacuum mixing being the most effective among the tested methods.
Reducing porosity in alginate impression materials is crucial for achieving superior dental cast quality.