Hydrophilicity of Polyvinylsiloxane Impression Materials

Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to study the hydrophilicity of four polyvinylsiloxane impression materials through the measurement of the contact angle of water at room temperature and to study the effect of body temperature (37° C) on the contact angle measurements. The materials investigated were 3M Express, Affins, President and Kerr Extrude. Methods: Rectangular samples (35X20X15) were prepared of the impression material using plastic moulds. The contact angles were measured using an FTÅ contact angle analyser by placing droplets of dionised water on the samples. The measurements were done at room temperature and at 37° C. Results: The contact angles measurement fot the materials investigated at room temperature and at 37° C were: 57,64; 79,78; 89,91; 42,32 respectively. A linear regression model was used to analyse the data. There was significant differences in the hydrophilicity of the four materials investigated. Kerr Extrude exhibited the least values for contact angles. Temperature overall did not affect the contact angle measurements significantly p>0.05. Conclusions: There were significant differences in the hydrophilicity between the polyvinylsiloxane impression materials investigated and that temperature did not significantly affect the contact angle measurements.