Tear strength of non-aqueous impression materials

Examples from each of the four major groups of dental impression materials (polysulfides, polyethers, condensation polysiloxanes, and addition polysiloxanes) were subjected to a trouser-leg tear test. Tear energies were determined, and materials were ranked with respect to each other. Polysulfides displayed the highest tear energy, while condensation polysiloxanes were the lowest, with the addition polysiloxanes occupying an intermediate position.