ABSTRACT
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Die materials require abrasion resistance, dimensional stability with time, and high surface wettability for adequate material properties. Wear of gypsum materials is a significant problem in the fabrication of accurately fitting cast prosthetic devices. So It has been recommended that the use of die hardener before carving or burnishing ofthe wax pattern. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the abrasion resistance and surface microhardness(Knoop) with 3 commonly used gypsum die materials(MG Crystal Rock, Super plumstone, GC FUJIROCK(R) EP) with and without the application of 2 die hardeners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three die materials were evaluated for abrasion resistance and surface microhardness after application of 2 die hardeners(Die hardener and Stone die & plaster hardener). Thirty specimens of each gypsum material were fabricated using an impression of resin die(Pattern resin; GC Corporation, Japan) with 1-mm high ridges, sloped 90 degrees. Gypsum materials were mixed according to manufacturer's recommendations and allowed to set 24 hours before coating. Specimens were arbitrary assigned to 1 of 3 treatment subgroups (n=10/subgroup): no treatment(control), coated with Die hardener, and coated with Stone die & plaster hardener. Abrasion resistance(measured by weight loss) was evaluated using device in 50g mass perpendicular to the ridges. Knoop hardness was determined by loading each specimen face 5 times for 15 seconds with a force of 50g. A scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the surface of specimens in each treatment subgroup. Conclusions: The obtained results were as follows: 1. 3 types of die stone evaluated in this study did not show significant differences in surface hardness and abrasive resistance(P<.05). 2. In the abrasive resistance test, there were no significant differences between GC FUJIROCK(R) EP and MG Crystal Rock with or without 2 die hardener(P<.05). 3. Super plumstone treated with Stone die & plaster hardener showed increased wear loss(P<.05). 4. Die hardener coatings used in this study decreased the surface hardness of the gypsum material(P<.05).