Compatibility of a new epoxy resin with impression materials

This study evaluated the compatibility of five polyvinyl siloxanes (Reflect, Exaflex, President, Permagum, and Extrude), one polysulfide (Permalastic) and one polyether (Polygel) impression materials with the new epoxy resin, AlphaDie 87. Only the polysulfide and the polyether were prepared with the "super separator". A line 20 microns wide was scribed into three glass dies (plates). Each nonaqueous elastomeric was used to make an impression of the line in each of the three glass dies. Each of the impressions was allowed to set in a water bath (36 degrees C). The epoxy die material was introduced onto the line surface of the impression to create a copy of the line. The epoxy was allowed to set against the impression. Detail reproduction of the line, or compatibility, was determined by the presence of the reproduced line on the epoxy specimen by three raters. There was unanimous agreement among the 63 independent homogenous ratings of line presence on impression specimens. The line was reproduced on all of the impression specimens but only in 71.4% (5/7) of the epoxy specimens. The epoxy specimens reproduced the line in all the polyvinyl siloxane specimens (5/5).