Mechanical properties of elastomeric impression materials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Dental impression materials are crucial for prosthodontic restorations.
• Elastomeric materials offer high accuracy and dimensional stability.
• Understanding their mechanical properties is vital for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of various dental elastomeric impression materials.
• To determine tearing energy, tensile properties, and elastic modulus at high strain rates.
• To provide data for selecting appropriate impression materials based on performance.

Main Methods:

• Investigated addition silicones, condensation silicones, polysulphides, and polyether impression materials.
• Measured tearing energy, tensile strength, and elastic modulus.
• Utilized high strain rate testing to simulate clinical conditions.

Main Results:

• Polysulphides exhibited superior tearing resistance compared to silicones.
• Silicones demonstrated higher tensile strength and elastic modulus than polysulphides.
• Polyether materials showed mechanical properties comparable to silicones.

Conclusions:

• Material selection should consider the balance between tearing resistance and tensile properties.
• Silicones are generally favorable for applications requiring high strength and elasticity.
• Polysulphides may be preferred when high tearing resistance is paramount.