GYPSUM PRODUCTS

Presented By : Dr. T. M. HAROON M.D.S -1st yr. Department of Prosthodontics

Introduction Classification of gypsum products Manufacture of gypsum products Composition Setting Reaction Properties
Setting time Viscosity Compressive strength Surface Hardness and Abrasion resistance Tensile Strength Setting expansion Reproduction of detail.

Manipulation Infection control Uses Storage of gypsum products Gypsum bonded investment References

Introduction
Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral found in various parts of the world, particularly in Germany and Nova Scotia. Chemically, the gypsum produced for dental applicatios is nearly pure calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4.2H2O).

Gypsum under SEM

Different forms of gypsum have been in use for many centuries for construction purposes and for making artifacts. For instance, alabaster used in building of King Solomons Temple was a form of gypsum. Uses in Dentistry : preparation of study models for oral and maxillofacial structures and as important auxiliary materials for dental laboratory operations that are involved in the production of dental prostheses It is supplied as powders of various colors, in small preweighed sachets or in large bags, sacks.

Classification of Gypsum Products

Gypsum products

Impression Plaster Gypsum bonded investment Model Plaster Dental stone dental stone, High strength Dental stone, High strength, High expansion

Types of Gypsum products

Five types identified by ADA specification No. 25 are as follows: Type I Impression Plaster Type II Model Plaster Type III Dental stone / Hydrocal Type IV Dental stone, High strength / Improved stone Type V Dental stone, High strength, High expansion

Calcination of gypsum
Prolonged heating of a substance at some temperature below its melting temperature is known as calcination

CaSO4.2H2O
Gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate)

110 1300 C

CaSO4.H2O

130 2000 C

CaSO4

Plaster or stone (calcium sulfate hemihydrate)

Hexagonal anhydrite

200 10000 C

CaSO 4
orthorhombic anhydrite

Thus the principal constituent of the dental plasters and stones is the calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO4 . H2O). Depending on the method of calcination, different forms of the hemihydrate ( or ) can be obtained.

Manufacturing process of Dental plaster and stone

Depending on the method of calcination there are two forms of hemihydrate which are chemically same but differ mainly in crystal size, surface area and degree of lattice perfection. The form (dental plaster) consists of large, irregularly shaped orthorhombic crystal particles with capillary pores

The form consists of smaller, regularly shaped crystalline particles in the form of rods or prisms.
The -modified hemihydrate is made by boiling gypsum in a 30% aqueous solution of calcium chloride & magnesium chloride. This process yields the smoothest , most dense powder particles and is primarily used for dies. The hemihydrate is called artificial stone, die stone or improved stone.

Dental plaster
Gypsum is first ground to fine particles and then heated in an open kettle or kiln at a temperature of 110 130 0 C. The process is called dry-calcination. The resulting product is hemihydrate crystals formed. CaSO4.2H2O
Gypsum (calcium sulfate hemihydrate) dihydrate)
110 1300 C

CaSO4.H2O
Plaster (calcium sulfate

Heat

Contd.. Dental stone Gypsum is calcined under pressure in an autoclave at 1200 - 130 0C at 17 psi for 5 7 hrs. The product obtained is much stronger and harder than hemihydrate. The resulting product is hemihydrate crystals formed.
CaSO4.2H2O
Gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate)
120 1300 C 17 psi

CaSO4.H2O
stone (calcium sulfate hemihydrate)

Contd..

Improved stone Gypsum is calcined by boiling it in 30% calcium chloride solution. The chlorides are then washed away or autoclaved in presence of sodium succinate 0.5%. After controlled grinding the powders have an even higher apparent density and yield an even stronger set.

Contd..

Dental stone, High strength, High expansion This is essentially a high strength dental stone with much lower W/P ratio & higher setting expansion. The low water powder ratio increases the strength and addition of suitable modifier increases the setting expansion.

Contd..

Synthetic stone This is manufactured from a by-product of phosphoric acid manufacture. The manufacturing process is a closely guarded secret with its manufacturers.

Differences between and - hemihydrate

hemihydrate (stone)
It consist of cleavage fragments and crystals in the form of rods or prisms. Crystals are prismatic and more regular in shape and compact. W/P Ratio: 0.3 Low setting expansion Set gypsum is stronger and harder. High abrasion resistance

- hemihydrate (plaster)
It is a fibrous aggregate of fine crystals with capillary pores.
Crystals are spongy, irregular in shape and porous. W/P Ratio: 0.5 High setting expansion Set gypsum is of lower Strength. Low abrasion resistance.

Setting of Gypsum Products

(CaSO4)2 .H2O + 3 H2O 2 CaSO4.2H2O + unreacted (CaSO4)2 .H2O + Heat Hemihydrate is four times more soluble in water than is the dihydrate near room temperature (200 C). The products formed during calcination, all react with water to form gypsum, but at different rates.

Setting reaction of gypsum products

Theories of setting Colloidal theory Hydration theory Dissolution-precipitation theory based on dissolution of plaster and instant recrystallization of gypsum, followed by interlocking of the crystals to form the set.

Crystalline theory This theory is more widely accepted. It was first proposed by a French chemist Henry Louis Chatelier (1887). In 1907, the theory received the support of a famous Dutch chemist Jacobus Hendricus Vant Hoff. The setting is explained on the basis of difference in solubility of hemihydrate and dihydrate. The hemihydrate is four times more soluble in water than is the dihydrate near room temperature.

When the hemihydrate is mixed with water, a suspension is formed that is fluid and workable. The hemihydrate dissolves until it forms a saturated solution. This saturated hemihydrate solution is supersaturated with dihydrate, so the dihydrate precipitates out. As, the dihydrate precipitates, the solution is no longer saturated with the hemihydrate, so it continues to dissolve.

Thus, the process continues, that is, dissolution of the hemihydrate and the precipitation of the dihydrate occur as either new crystals form or further growth occurs on those already present. The reaction is continuous and proceeds until no further dihydrate precipitates out of solution.

The Microstructure of Set Gypsum

The set material consists of a tangled aggregate of gypsum crystals, with length in the range of 5 to 20 m. Two distinct types of microscopic porosity can be seen in the mass. Microporosity caused by residual unreacted water. These voids are spherical and occur between clumps of gypsum crystals. Microporosity resulting from growth of gypsum crystals. These voids are associated with setting expansion and are smaller than the first type. They appear as angular spaces between individual crystals in the aggregate.

Water-Powder Ratio
The ratio of the water to the powder employed for mixing is usually expressed as water powder ratio or simply as W:P. The W/P ratio is a very important factor in deciding the physical and chemical properties of the final product. Recommended W/P Ratio Impression plaster : 0.50 to 0.75. Dental plaster : 0.45 to 0.50. Dental stone : 0.28 to 0.30. Improved stone : 0.22 to 0.24. High strength : 0.18 to 0.22. high expansion.

Variation in the water powder ratio has a pronounced effect on the set product. These are as follows: setting time, Setting expansion, and compressive strength, Excess water prolongs the setting time.

Properties
The important properties of gypsum products are : SETTING TIME VISCOSITY STRENGTH COMPRESSIVE TENSILE SURFACE HARDNESS AND ABRASION RESISTANCE SETTING EXPANSION REPRODUCTION OF DETAIL.

Mixing time is the time from the addition of the powder to the water until mixing is completed. Mechanical mixing time of plaster and stone is 20 -30 seconds whereas for hand spatulation atleast 1min to obtain a smooth mix.

Working time is the time available to use a workable mix, one that maintains an even consistency that may be manipulated. Generally a 3 minutes working time is adequate. The freshly mixed mass is semifluid in consistency and quite free flowing and can be poured into the mould in any shape.

SETTING TIME The time that elapses from the beginning of mixing until the material hardens is known as setting time. Initial setting time - As the reaction proceeds, however, more hemihydrate crystals react to form dihydrate crystals. The material becomes rigid (but not hard). It can be carved but not moulded. This is known as initial setting time.2 Final setting time - The time at which the material can be separated from the impression without distortion or fracture.2

Tests for determining Setting Time Loss of gloss test for initial set - As reaction proceeds, some of the excess water is taken in forming the dihydrate and the gloss disappears from the surface of plaster mix. Initial set 9 minutes. Exothermic reaction - The temperature rise of the mass may also be used for measurement of setting time, as the setting reaction is exothermic. Penetration tests - By using penetrometers. Types of Penetrometers Vicat needle Gillmore needles

Gillmore needles: Two typessmall and large The small Gillmore needle has 1/4 Ib weight and diameter of 1/12" while the large Gillmore has 1 Ib wt and diameter of 1/24". Initial Gillmore test The mixture is spread out and the smaller needle is lowered on the surface. The time at which it no longer leaves an impression is called the initial set. Initial set 13 minutes.

Initial

Final

Gilmore needles

Vicat needle It weighs 300 gm, and the needle diameter is 1 mm. The needle with a weighted plunger rod is supported and held just in contact with the mix and soon released after loss of gloss. The time elapsed until the needle no longer penetrates the bottom of the plaster is the setting time. The setting time obtained with the Vicat needle is the similar to the initial Gillmore, in most instances.

Final Gillmore test- The Heavier Gillmore needle is used for the next stage in the setting process. The time elapsed at which the needle leaves only a barely visible mark on the surface is known as the final setting time.

Ready for Use Criterion The ready for use criterion is a subjective measure of the time at which the set material may be safely handled in the usual manner. It is not determined by any designated test; the ability to judge readiness improves with experience. Technically, set material may be considered ready to use when compressive strength is atleast 80% of that which would be attained at 1 hr. Most modern products reach ready-to-use state in approx. 30 min.

Control of Setting Time Manufacturing process. Mixing and spatulation (time and rate). Water / Powder ratio. Temperature. Accelerators & Retarders

Manufacturing Process Three methods to control the setting time that have been incorporated into the commercial products available is By increasing or decreasing the solubility of the hemihydrate. By increasing or decreasing the nuclei of crystallization. By accelerating or retarding the setting time by increasing or decreasing the rate of crystal growth.

Fineness: Finer the hemihydrate particle size, the faster the set, because hemihydrate dissolves faster and the gypsum nuclei will be more numerous and therefore, more rapid rate of crystallization occurs. Impurities During manufacturing process if the calcination is incomplete and gypsum particles are present or if they are added in the plaster or stone the setting time will be reduced because of increase in nuclei of crystallization.

Mixing and spatulation Within practical limits, the longer and faster the plaster is mixed, the faster it will set because nuclei of crystallization are broken and well distributed within the mass.

Water/Powder ratio More the water used for mixing, the fewer the nuclei per unit volume. Thus setting time will be prolonged.

Temperature There is little change between 00C and 500 C but if the temperature of the plaster water mixture exceeds 500 C, a gradual retardation occurs. At 100C the solubility of hemihydrate and dihydrate are equal in which case no reaction can occur and the gypsum will not set. At higher temperature range (500 C - 100C) the tendency for any gypsum crystals formed are converted back to the hemihydrate form.
Modifiers (Accelerators and Retarders) Modifiers are chemicals added in order to alter some of the properties and make it more acceptable. If the chemical added, decreases the setting time, it is called an accelerator, whereas if it increases the setting time, it is called a retarder.

Accelerators Finely powdered gypsum (terra alba 1%): Acts by providing additional nuclei of crystallization. In low concentrations, salts like sodium sulphate (upto 3.4%), potassium sulphate (2 to 3%) and sodium chloride (upto 2%), are accelerators. They act by making the hemihydrate more soluble.

Retarders

In higher concentrations sodium chloride and sodium sulphate (above 3.4%), act as retarders. In higher concentrations the salt precipitates and decreases the nuclei of crystallization. Acetates, borates, citrates, tartrates, and inorganic salts like ferric sulphate, chromic sulphate, aluminium sulphate, are retarders, which act by reducing the rate of solution of hemihydrate, or by inhibiting growth of dihydrate crystals. Some additives react with hemihydrate, e.g. soluble tartrates and citrates precipitate calcium tartrate and citrate, respectively.

Borax (1-2%) is the most effective retarder. During setting it forms a coating of calcium borate around the hemihydrate. Thus the water cannot come in contact with the hemihydrate. Colloids such as gelatin, glue, agar, coagulated blood, etc. are effective retarders, presumably acting by nuclei poisoning.

VISCOSITY Garber, Powers, Brandau2 observed more voids in casts made from the stones with the higher viscosities. Impression plaster is used infrequently, but its low viscosity makes its possible to take impressions with a minimum of force on the soft tissues (mucostatic technique)

STRENGTH The strength increases rapidly as the material hardens after the initial setting time. Compressive strength The compressive strength is inversely related to the W/P ratio of the mix. The more water used to make the mix, the lower the compressive strength.

Effect of W/P ratio on the compression strength of gypsum products

MATERIAL W/P RATIO COMPRESSIVE

(ml/g)

STRENGTH (MPa)

Model plaster

Dental stone

High strength, Dental stone

0.45 0.50 0.55 0.27 0.30 0.50 0.24 0.30 0.50

12.5 11.0 9.0 31.0 20.5 10.5 38.0 21.5 10.5

Factors Affecting Strength The free water content (excess water) -The greater the amount of free water in the set stone, the less the strength. Wet strength (green strength) is the strength obtained when the water in excess of that required for the hydration of the hemihydrate is left in the set gypsum. The wet strength (compressive), for dental plaster is 9 MPa and for improved dental stone is 35 MPa. Dry strength is the strength of gypsum when the excess free water is dried. The strength is two or more times greater than the wet strength. Excess water may be removed from gypsum cast by low-temperature drying. But here is no strength increase until the last 2% of free water is removed.

This strength increase on drying is reversible, thus soaking a dry cast in water reduces its strength to the original level). Drying at higher temperature must be carefully controlled. Loss of water of crystallization occurs rapidly at 100C or higher and causes shrinkage and a reduction in strength.

Effect of drying on the strength of plaster of paris

DRYING COMPRES PERIOD (hr) SIVE MPa LOSS IN STRENGTH WT (percent) Psi

2 4 8 16 24 48 72

9.6 11.7 11.7 13.0 23.3 23.3 23.3

1400 1700 1700 1900 3400 3400 3400

5.1 11.9 17.4 18.0 18.0 -

. AUJ Yap et al. Microwave drying of high

strength dental stone: Effects on dimensional accuracy. Op Dent; 2003 : 193-99. studied effects on dimensional accuracy of microwave drying of high strength dental stone and concluded that microwave radiation at 490 W for 60 seconds is acceptable for drying Type IV high-strength dental stone.

J Prosthet Dent. 2002 May;87(5):499-502.

Tensile strength of type IV dental stones dried in a microwave oven.

Hersek N, Canay S, Aka K, Cifti Y. Source Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hacettepe, Ankara, Turkey. nhersek@hotmail.com

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: It is known that drying dental stones in a microwave oven can save time, but the strength of the material may be affected by different drying methods. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the diametral tensile strength (DTS) of type IV gypsum products at different time intervals using microwave and air-drying methods.

CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, microwave oven drying had a positive effect on the diametral tensile strength of type IV dental stones.

Other factors affecting strength are: W/P ratio: The more the water, the greater will be the porosity and less the strength. Spatulation: Within limits, the strength increases with increased spatulation. Incorporation of accelerators and retarders: Lowers both the wet and the dry strengths.

Tensile Strength Gypsum is a brittle material, thus weaker in tension than in compression. The one hour tensile strength of model plaster is approximately 2.3 MPa. When dry, the tensile strength doubles i.e. 4.1 MPa after 40 hrs at 450 C. The tensile strength of dental stone is twice than that of plaster i.e. about 8 MPa.

HARDNESS AND ABRASION RESISTANCE This is related to the compressive strength. The higher the compressive strength of the hardening mass, the higher the surface hardness. After the final setting occurs, the surface hardness remains practically constant until most of the excess water is dried, after which it increases. The surface hardness increases at a faster rate than the compressive strength, since the surface of the hardened mass reaches a dry state earlier than the inner portion of the mass.

The average dry surface hardness of the type IV stones is 92 (RHN) and Type V stone is 82.

Mixing high strength dental stone with a commercial hardening solution containing colloidal silica (about 30%) improves the surface hardness of the set gypsum.2 Studies suggest that the commercial hardening solution do not improve the abrasion resistance of high strength dental stones.

Paul E. Harris et al. Alterations of surface hardness with gypsum die hardners. J Prosthet Dent. 2004; 92: 358 studied alterations of surface hardness with gypsum die hardeners (cyanoacrylates & clearcoat) and evaluated that the die hardeners did not increase the surface hardness of the gypsum materials ( Type III & die stone) but may play role in preventing brittle fracture of the die margin.

REPRODUCTION OF DETAIL Gypsum die do not reproduce surface detail as well as epoxy dies because the surface of the set gypsum is porous on a microscopic level. Air bubbles are often formed at the interface of the impression and gypsum cast because freshly mixed gypsum does not wet some rubber material well. The use of vibration during the pouring of a cast reduces the presence of air bubbles. Rinsing the impression and blowing away excess water can improve the detail recorded by the gypsum die material.

SETTING EXPANSION
The dimensional increase that occurs concurrent with the hardening of various materials, such as plaster, dental stone, die stone and dental casting investment.
GPT 8th edition

Two types of expansion

Normal setting expansion Hygroscopic setting expansion

Depending on the composition of the gypsum product, linear expansion may be as low as 0.06% to as high as 0.5%. Normal Setting Expansion The setting expansion that occurs without water immersion is normal Setting Expansion . Hygroscopic Setting Expansion The setting expansion that occurs under water is hygroscopic Setting Expansion

The theory is illustrated as: In Stage I, the initial mix is represented by the three round particles of hemihydrate surrounded by water. In Stage II, the reaction starts and the crystals of the dihydrate begins to form. Under normal expansion, the water around the particles is reduced by hydration and the particles are drawn more closely together by surface tension action of the water. Under hygroscopic expansion, the distance between the particles remain same at this stage.

In Stage III, the water around the particles are decreased and crystals of dihydrate grow, contact each other, and the setting expansion begins. The particles tend to be drawn together, but contraction is opposed by outward thrust of the growing crystals whereas the crystals are not so inhibited in hygroscopic expansion because the water is again replenished from the outside.

In Stages IV and V, the effect becomes more marked. The crystals intermesh and entangle much sooner than those under hygroscopic conditions which grow more freely before the intermeshing finally prevents further expansion.

Importance of setting expansion in dentistry, setting expansion may be both wanted or unwanted. It is undesirable in impression plaster, dental plaster and stone as it will result in an inaccurate cast or change in the occlusal relation if used for mounting. Increased setting expansion is desired in case of investment materials as it help to compensate the shrinkage of the metal during casting.

Control of setting expansion Increased spatulation increases setting expansion. Increase in W/P ratio reduces the setting expansion. Modifiers generally reduce the setting expansion. Potassium sulphate 4% solution reduces the setting expansion. Sodium chloride and ground gypsum increases setting expansion.

Uses of Gypsum products

The uses of gypsum products in dentistry is widespread and are as follows: In the preparation of a cast for a denture. To form moulds for the casting of dental restorations with molten metal. For the preparation of study models for oral and maxillofacial structures.

Impression plaster was used extensively for impressions of mouth To attach cast to an articulator. For bite registration Various type of plaster is used to make dies over which dental prosthesis are constructed. Flasking of waxed teeth.

Manipulation
To secure optimum properties, the water should be measured and the powder weighed. The measuring and mixing technique is summarized as follows: Measuring the water The water is usually dispensed by volume in a graduated cylinder.

Measuring the powder The powder can be weighed in grams with a simple balance or scale. Adding Powder and water The preferred method is to add the measured water first followed by the gradual addition of the preweighed powder.

Mixing Hand Mixing Hand mixing is usually done in a flexible plastic or rubber bowl with a straight stiff-bladed spatula to combine the powder and water. The mix should be smooth, homogeneous, workable, and free of air bubbles. A minimum of air inclusion in the mixed product is desirable to prevent surface bubbles and internal defects.

Mixing is usually accomplished with a wiping motion against the sides of the bowl, to eliminate lumps and air bubbles. A smooth, homogeneous mix should be obtained in approximately I minute. Vibration should be immediately followed after mixing and during pouring of the gypsum.

Vacuum Mixing Mixing done mechanically under vacuum provides a gypsum mix that is free of air bubbles and homogeneous in consistency. Advantage Provides a stronger and denser cast Disadvantage Equipment is expensive.

Storage of gypsum products

Gypsum products are sensitive to changes in the relative humidity of the atmosphere. Hemihydrate powders absorb atmospheric moisture from humid air, and this causes gradual deterioration. At relative humidity of 70% or higher, hydration begins on the surface of the particles, forming a fine coating of gypsum crystals. In the early stages of deterioration these act as nuclei of crystallization and shorten the setting time.

If deterioration proceeds further the mix will not set properly because insufficient hemihydrate remains to form a coherent set mass. This is equally likely to occur in gypsum-bonded investments, and will have the same effects. T o avoid deterioration, all gypsum products should be stored in airtight waterproof containers, in a dry laboratory area.

Care for the Cast

If the gypsum cast has to be soaked in water it must be placed in a water bath in which plaster debris is allowed to remain constantly on the bottom of the container to provide a saturated solution of calcium sulfate at all times. This is known as 'slurry water'. If the cast is washed in ordinary water, surface layer may dissolve, hence slurry water is used to preserve surface details. Such a procedure also causes a negligible expansion.

Infection control
If an impression has not been disinfected it is wise to disinfect the stone cast. Gypsum products may be disinfected by: Immersing cast in a disinfection solution e.g., 0.525% sodium hypochlorite.7 Spraying the cast with disinfectant. Addition of disinfectant at time of mixing to the stone.

Einar Berg, Dr Odont, Oyunn Nielsen, Nils Skaug. High-level microwave disinfection of dental gypsum cast. Int J Prosthodont 2005; 18: 520-525.

studies on high-level microwave disinfection of dental gypsum cast revealed that microwave irradiation of casts for 5 minutes at 900W gives high level disinfection that complies with European Standard EN 1040.

J Prosthet Dent. 1991 May;65(5):713-8.

An evaluation of dental stones after repeated exposure to spray disinfectants. Part I: Abrasion and compressive strength.
Stern MA, Johnson GH, Toolson LB. Source Department of Prosthodontics, University of Washington, School of Dentistry, Seattle.

Abstract This study investigated the effect of repeated applications of spray disinfectants on gypsum surfaces. Types III and IV gypsum products were evaluated in combination with iodophor, acid glutaraldehyde, phenol, and water spray. Results demonstrated greater resistance to abrasion with increasing numbers of water or disinfectant spray applications. Acid glutaraldehyde spray decreased the compressive strength of type III stone by 26%, phenol increased the compressive strength of type IV stone by 18%, and iodophor had no significant effect on either stone relative to compressive strength.

Gypsum bonded investment

Classified by ISO (1990) as: Type I Thermal expansion type, for casting inlays and crowns. Type II Hygroscopic expansion type, for casting inlays and crowns. Type III For casting complete and partial denture bases Use Gypsum bonded investment used as mold materials for casting dental gold alloys.

Composition Refractory (Silica) 55 75 % Binder ( hemihydrate) 30 -35 % Modifying agents 5 % Function of each constituent Refractory (Silica : cristobalite or quartz) Acts as a refractory (heat resisting) during heating. Regulates thermal expansion. Increases setting expansion of stone.

Binder ( hemihydrate) It binds and holds the silica particles together. Modifying agents To increase the thermal expansion of investment. Coloring Reducing agents: They reduce any oxides formed on the metal by providing a non-oxidizing atmosphere in the mould Modifying chemicals: They regulate setting expansion and setting time and also prevents shrinkage of gypsum when heated at temperature above 3000 C, e.g. boric acid and sodium chloride. Investment containing Boric acid when heated shows increase in compressive strength ranging from +40 to + 50 %.

Rate of setting The same physical changes occur during the setting of gypsum plaster, when gypsum bonded investment set Manipulation time Investing the wax pattern or pouring the investment cast must be complete while the mix is still fluid. Setting time This is usually given as Gillmore or Vicat initial set. Preferably mold heating should be delayed until setting expansion is complete (usually 1 2 hrs from the start mixing)

Strength Inlay casting investments have wet compressive strength 2-6 MPa Denture casting investments have compressive strength 9-14 MPa when set. In both types change in the compressive strength on heating to the recommended mold temperature vary according to the presence of additives to control investment thermal expansion.

Expansion
Inlay casting investments under laboratory conditions show total expansion in the range of 1.5 2.5 %. Denture casting investments gain increased strength by having higher gypsum content, at the expense of the refractory component, so their total expansions are somewhat lower in the range of about 1.3%.

Methods for casting small restorations can be

classified into two Hygroscopic expansion technique in which all or most of the expansion is gained when the investment sets. The setting expansion greatly increased by exposure to additional water. Thermal expansion of the investment is relatively low. Thermal expansion technique in which both setting and thermal expansion contribute importantly to mold expansion.

Setting expansion Setting expansion in air Linear expansion of most inlay are in the range of 0.1 0.6 %. Setting expansion in water (hygroscopic setting
expansion ) 0.3 2.0 %.

Hygroscopic expansion technique The mold is heated to temperature of 4800 C, at which temperature thermal expansion is relatively low. Investments for use in these technique are based on quartz refractory. Under this temperature the disadvantage is that carbon remaining from burnout of the wax pattern is oxidized slowly. Prolonged heating atleast 1 hr is needed in this technique.

Thermal expansion technique The mold is heated to about 700 0 C temperature. A higher mold temperature should not be used or break down of the calcium sulfate binder can occur in presence of carbon, thereby liberating sulphur dioxide. The reaction which involves reduction of the calcium sulfate binder, takes place in two stages: CaSO4 + 4C CaS + 4CO 3CaSO4 + CaS 4CO + 4 SO2 The sulphur dioxide formed in the second reaction cause sulfide formation on gold alloy casting, resulting in discoloration and embrittlement of alloy.

Control of expansion
Composition The manufacturer adjusts investment expansion by choice of refractory and binder and additives. W/P ratio Decreasing the W/P ratio increases both setting expansion (in air or water) and thermal expansion. Period of exposure to water In Hygroscopic expansion techniques, additional control can be obtained by varying the length of time the setting investment is exposed to an aqueous environment.

Effect of time of immersion Immersion before the initial set results in greater expansion. Spatulation Shorter the mixing time, the less is expansion. Effect of shelf life of the investment The older the investment, the less is the hygroscopic expansion.

Factors affecting strength

Use of hemihydrate increases the compressive strength (in comparison to hemihydrate) Use of modifying agents increases the strength

References
1. Phillips science of dental materials. Kenneth J. Anusavice, W.B. Saunders company. Eleventh edition, 2005. 2. Restorative dental materials. Robert G. Craig & John M. Powers. Restorative Dental Materials. 11th ed, 2002. 3. Glossary of Prosthodontics terms, 8th edition. 4. Dental materials and their selection. William J. OBrein 3rd ed, 2002.

5. Applied dental material. McCabe 6. Einar Berg, Dr Odont, Oyunn Nielsen, Nils Skaug. High-level microwave disinfection of dental gypsum cast. Int J Prosthodont 2005; 18: 520-525. 7.Mohammed Aleem abdullah. Surface detail, compressive strength, and dimensional accuracy of gypsum casts after repeated immersion in hypochlorite. J Prosthet Dent; 95: 462-8.

8. Paul E. Harris et al. Alterations of surface

hardness with gypsum die hardners. J Prosthet Dent. 2004; 92: 35-8. 9. AUJ Yap et al. Microwave drying of high

strength dental stone: Effects on dimensional accuracy. Op Dent; 2003 : 193-99.