Evaluation of various characteristics of Plastalgin alginate according to International ISO Standards and ADA specifications

Alginate is one of the most widely used impression materials in dentistry. Currently, a variety of alginates are available on the market. Quality control should be performed for all dental materials used in Iran. The aim of the present study was to evaluate several parameters of Plastalgin alginate [Made in France] according to the currently valid international standard for dental alginate impression materials. The studied parameters were: working time, setting time, compressive strength, permanent deformation and strain in compression. All factors associated with packaging were also evaluated. All tests were performed in accordane with ISO or ADA standards and 6 specimens were employed for each test. The working time of Plastalgin was within standard limits and the mean setting time was found to be 2 minutes and 28 seconds. The strain in compression, permanent deformation and mean compressive strength was 7/35%, 3/25% and 0/74 Mpa, respectively. Our findings did not confirm the information listed on the Plastalgin[R] packages. The investigated parameters were in accordance with ISO standards, except for permanent deformation. Our findings did not correspond with the information written on the packages. Further studies are required to determine the properties of this material