A Newly Formulated Vinyl Polysiloxane Impression Material with Improved Mechanical Properties

To evaluate the mechanical properties of a newly formulated vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impression material.

Experimental, Capture (S&C Polymer), Express, Imprint 3 and Imprint 4 (3M ESPE), Start VPS (Danville), Honigum (DMG), Virtual (Ivoclar Vivadent), Elite HD+ (Zhermack) were evaluated for tear strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Un-nicked specimens with a 90° angle on one side (type C) for tear strength were prepared and tested according to ASTM-D624. Dumbbell-shaped specimens (type 1) for tensile strength and elongation at break were prepared and tested according to ISO 37. All tests were carried out at 500 mm/min on a Shimadzu (AGS-X-10 KN-table top) tester. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data.

Experimental material showed significantly higher or higher tear strength and elongation at break compared to other impression materials for both light body (LB) and heavy body (HB). For tensile strength, Experimental is similar to most impression materials; however, significantly lower than Imprint 3 and Start VPS for LB. This parameter for HB is higher or significantly higher than other impression materials except Start VPS. Tear strength and tensile strength were not correlated for LB but have a weak or moderate correlation for HB. Elongation at break is inversely proportional to tensile strength moderately for LB; however, there is no or very weak relation for HB.

Experimental VPS impression material demonstrated a significantly higher tear strength and adequate tensile strength with higher elongation compared to other commercially available VPS impression materials. Adequate mechanical properties can provide accurate impressions for successful clinical fabrication of restorations. Experimental VPS impression material is suitable for use in dental impressions for fabrication of restorations.