Diatomite as a source of cristobalite for dental investments a differential thermal analysis study.

Cristobalite can be obtained from diatomite by heat-treatment at relatively low temperatures and short times without the use of flux. The differential thermal analysis method used to examine the alpha leads to beta inversion was not as satisfactory as it might have been, and to determine the amount and crystallinity of cristobalite formed any such method should be supported by other techniques, in particular, X-ray diffraction. To determine the suitability or otherwise of cristobalite produced from diatomite for use in dental investments, dialatometric studies are indicated since the property of thermal expansion is of fundamental importance to a dental investment.