Effect of storage time on mechanical properties of extended-pour irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials

Recent commercial extended-pour irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials (EPIHIMs) claim to maintain dimensional stability up to 120 hours. However, data regarding their mechanical properties and performance after 120 hours of storage are lacking.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to test the elastic recovery, strain in compression, and tear strength properties of 5 commercially available EPIHIMs, immediately after preparation and after 120 hours of storage under specific storage conditions.

A total of 150 specimens were prepared in accordance with the ISO 21563:2013 standard from 5 commercially available EPIHIMs (Blueprint Xcreme, Kromopan, Alginmax, Hydrogum 5, and Alginelle). The specimens were subjected to elastic recovery, strain in compression, and tear strength tests immediately after specimen preparation (n=5) and after 120 hours of storage inside clear plastic zipper bags held at 23 °C (n=5). Data were analyzed with a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) test for brand and duration parameters. Normality of data was analyzed with the Shapiro-Wilk test. The Duncan test or Games-Howell test was used for multiple comparisons (α=.05).

Elastic recovery and strain in compression values of the EPIHIMs tested were affected by brand and duration parameters (P<.001). Tear strength values of the EPIHIMs tested were affected by brand (P<.001); however, they were not affected by duration (P>.05). Data distribution was normal except for Alginmax in terms of the elastic recovery values and Blueprint Xcreme in terms of the strain in compression values (P<.05). Significant interactions were present between brand and duration for the strain in compression and tear strength values of the EPIHIMs tested (P<.05). Statistically significant difference was not found among mean elastic recovery values of the tested EPIHIM brands (P<.001). Moreover, a statistically significant increase was present in elastic recovery values of the tested EPIHIMs after 120 hours of storage (P<.001). Statistically significant difference was not found among mean strain in compression values of the tested EPIHIM brands tested immediately after preparation (P>.05). However, 120 hours of storage led both to a statistically significant decrease in mean strain in compression values of the tested EPIHIMs (P<.001) except for Alginelle (P>.05) and a statistically significant difference among mean strain in compression values of the tested EPIHIM brands (P<.001). Storage time did not influence mean tear strength values of the EPIHIMs tested (P>.05). However, statistically significant differences were present among mean tear strength values of the tested EPIHIM brands tested immediately after preparation (P<.001) and after 120 hours of storage (P<.001).

Despite variations in elastic recovery, strain in compression, and tear strength properties of the EPIHIMs tested, all the materials fulfilled the requirements to comply with the ISO 21563:2013 standard even after 120 hours of storage.