Physical properties of casts prepared from disinfected alginate.

The dimensional accuracy, surface hardness and reproduction of surface detail of stone casts produced from alginate impressions treated with 4.65% sodium hypochlorite, were investigated. To test dimensional accuracy, a Reflex Microscope was used to compare casts from 10 untreated impressions with casts from 10 impressions immersed in the solution for 30 mins. Surface detail and hardness were investigated on casts produced from impressions of a master stainless steel plate with 10 micro-indentations of increasing size. Surface detail of the casts were assessed by observation and surface hardness by a Vickers Hardness Machine. The dimensional accuracy test showed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups. Surface detail was unaffected after immersion of up to 10 mins. Surface hardness decreased linearly with respect to immersion time, when this was greater than 5 mins.