title: Surface properties and castability of elastomeric impression materials after plasma cleaning.
abstract: The wettability of impression materials is an important requirement for accurate reproduction of intraoral structures. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of plasma cleaning on critical surface tension and die stone castability of five silicone impression materials. Critical surface tension was calculated using a contact angle analysis according to Zisman (1964), before and after plasma cleaning. Die stone casts were produced from impressions of a master die and the area extension of the reproduction was measured planimetrically. The results showed a general increase in the critical surface tension and in the polar force component of the composite free energy for materials treated with plasma cleaning. An improvement in castability of all materials was also noted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Center for Oral Health Sciences, Lund University, Sweden.
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vassilakos
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nilner
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D003760:Dental Impression Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D005740:Gases; D003765:Models, Dental; D012463:Saliva; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013500:Surface Tension; D014783:Viscosity; D017155:Wettability
chemical_list: D003760:Dental Impression Materials; D005740:Gases; D012826:Silicone Elastomers