Irreversible Hydrocolloid

(Alginate)

1
Specific learning objectives
• At the end of the chapter the student
should able to acquire knowledge of the
• Composition,
• Setting reaction,
• Properties,
• Manipulation
• Advantages and disadvantages,
• Uses
• Recent advances
of Alginate hydrocolloid impression
material
• Duplicating materials
 Dental hydrocolloids ?

• Hydrocolloid Impression Materials

1. Agar-agar (Reversible
hydrocolloid)
Change of sol to gel is thermal
and reversible
2. Alginate (Irreversible
hydrocolloid) Change of sol to
gel is chemical and irreversible
 Irreversible hydrocolloids
(Alginate )

Chemical
Sol reaction
Gel

4
• Alginate is the irreversible hydrocolloid

• Sets by chemical reaction ( sol to gel

transformation)

• Once the gelation is completed, the material

cannot be reliquefied to a sol state -
“irreversible hydrocolloids”.

• Used to record impression of dentulous arches

in the fabrication of crown & bridges
• Preliminary impression of edentulous arches in
the fabrication of complete dentures
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• Alginate is a natural substance extracted
from certain brown seaweed (Algae -
Marine plant)

• Chemically known as - linear copolymer

of anhydro-β-D- mannuronic acid or
Alginic acid

• Alginic acid is insoluble in water but salts

obtained with Na & NH4 are soluble

• So Na ,K or triethanol amine alginate are

used in dental impression materials
 Dispensing: supplied as powder

Available in two forms.

➢a. Bulk containers

➢b. Small sealed packets/ sachets (pre-weighed)
This package prevents moisture contamination
& extends the shelf life of alginate.
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 TYPES

• According to A.D.A No – 18
Type 1 – Fast set ( setting time 1-2 min)
Type 2 - Normal set (setting time 2- 4 min)
Composition :-
 Ingredient % Functions
Soluble alginate (Na, K, NH4 Main reactive ingredient.
or tri ethanol amine 15 Forms sol with water.
alginate Reacts with ca ions to form a gel of calcium
alginate.
Calcium sulphate dihydrate Reactor – releases Ca ions to react with soluble
16 alginate & forms insoluble ca alginate gel.

Tri sodium phosphate 2 Retarder

Diatomaceous earth 60 Filler.
Zinc oxide 4 Filler- influence on physical properties and setting
time of the gel.
K Titanium fluoride 3 Gypsum hardeners
Flavoring agents (winter Tr To provide pleasant taste to make it more
green/peppermint) acceptable to the patient.

10
Color pigments Tr To provide characteristic color.
Setting reaction / Gelation Process

➢ On mixing powder with water ,a sol is

formed

➢ Calcium sulfate (Reactor) reacts rapidly

with soluble NA/K alginate to produce an
insoluble Ca -alginate gel

➢ Production of Ca- alginate gel is too fast,

hence no enough W.T

➢ So reaction is delayed by addition of a

retarder (tri sodium phosphate) by the
manufacturer
• So calcium ions reacts preferentially with
phosphate ions
• Thus , the rapid reaction between
calcium ions or soluble alginate (soluble
NA/K alginate) is differed ,until all the
phosphate ions from trisodium
phosphate are exhausted
• When all the trisodium phosphate are
reacted ,the calcium ions begins to react
with soluble alginate quickly (soluble
NA/K alginate )to produce Calcium
alginate as a gel
 Step 1

(Sol)
(Gel)

K2n -Alginate + n CaSO4 nK2SO4 + Can–(Alginate)2

Potassium alginate (Calcium sulphate) Calcium alginate
(Reactor)

(Rapid reaction)

Step 2

water-soluble salt e.g. trisodium phosphate (RETARDER) added

to react with CaSO4 --------> to prolong the W.T .

Sodium phosphate
(Retarder)
 Gel Structure

• Set material:
Is a intermeshed brush
heap structure of fibrils of
calcium alginate enclosing
in an unreacted sodium
alginate, excess water,
filler particles and reaction
byproducts.
• In the final structure
Sodium alginate cross-
linked with calcium ions Cross-linking of Sodium alginate
with ca ions
PROPERTIES
1) BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

▪ Non – toxic and non irritant to the oral

tissues.
▪ Long term exposure causes possible health
hazard
▪ Alginate uses diatomaceous earth as filler,
that contains finely divided silica particles.

▪ These silica particles are found to be a

source of health hazard (causes SILICOSIS &
PULMONARY HYPER-SESITIVITY ) if inhaled.

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 Remedy

• Use dust free alginate

2) Rheological property
Gelation time
• Gelation time is defined as time
from the beginning of mixing until
the gelation occurs

• Type 1 – fast set (1-2 min)

Type 2 – normal set (2-4min)
• Once the gelation starts, the impression
material must not be disturbed
because the growing fibrils will fracture
& material significantly weakened

• Clinically setting time is detected by a

loss of surface tackiness or stickiness
when touched with clean, dry ,gloved
finger
 Control of gelation time:-

Optimum gelation time is 3-4 min at room

temp.
1. By manufacturers : by adding retarder-
tri sodium phosphate
 Control of gelation time:-
2. By Dentist - By altering the temp.of water
- Cold water : Longer is the
geln. time
- Warm water : Shorter is the
geln. time
1 min of reduction in S.T occurs for 10
degree raise of temperature
3. By altering W/P ratio OR mixing time – but not
recommended , because affects other properties.
• In hot weather – cool water can be used for
mixing
• Cool mixing bowl & spatula used when small
amount of impression material are to be mixed
• Use of tap water contains Ca & Mg metallic
ions may accelerate the S.T
PERMANENT DEFORMATION

• Are classified as elastic but they are not

perfectly so
• Under go a small amount of deformation
known as permanent set due to their
viscoelastic behavior.
• According to A.D.A Specification no. 18 it
should be less than 3%.

Elastic recovery (ER)= 97% (100 – 3)

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 GEL STRENGTH
• According to A.D.A Specification no. 18
it should not be less than 0.343 MPa.
• Alginate Gel strength – 0.5-0.8 MPa

Factors affecting
1. Decrease in W/P ratio, with in limits,
increases strength.
2. Both under and over spatulation
decreases strength.
3. Higher rate of loading increases
strength

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TEAR STRENGTH
• Tear strength 300 – 700 gm/ cm.
• It is very low.
• So use thickness of 3 – 5 mm.
FLEXIBILITY

• According to A.D.A Specification number

18 it should be 5 - 20%.
• Most alginates have a typical value of 12-
14%.
• It is measured as amount of strain
produced when a sample is stressed
between 100 – 1000 gm/cm2.

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 Dimensional stability
• Dimensionally unstable due to syneresis & imbibition

• If an alginate impression is stored in water or in a very

wet paper towel, the alginate will absorb additional
water and expand. This condition is called imbibition.

• If an alginate impression remains in the open air,

moisture will evaporate from the material, causing it to
shrink and distort. This condition is called syneresis.

Remedy:
Cast should be poured immediately after taking
the impression
 Retention

• Use Perforated stock trays

• Mechanical interlocking.
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COMPATIBILITY
WITH GYPSUM
• It is compatible with
die stone.

ELECTRO PLATING
• Alginate Impressions
cannot be
electroplated.

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 SHELF LIFE
• Have shorter shelf life.

• 2 major factor affect the shelf life- storage temp &

moisture

• They deteriorate rapidly at higher temperatures.

• Therefore, it is better not to stock the material more

than one year

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• It should be stored in cool and dry environment.
▪ On long term exposure of alginate
impression material, if inhaled, causes
possible health hazard ( called as
SILICOSIS & PULMONARY HYPER-
SESITIVITY ) due to --------- component

▪ Diatomaceous earth , silica particles.

▪ Calcium sulphate dihydrate
▪ Tri sodium phosphate
▪ Zinc oxide

▪ ANSW- Diatomaceous earth , silica

particles
• In agar –agar impression material ,calcium sulphate
dihydrate acts as a ------------

• Main reactive ingredient

• Reactor
• Retarder
• Filler.

• Ans- Reactor
• What are the factor which controls the gelation time of
alginate impression materials

•
• W/P ratio or mixing time
• Temperature of water used for mixing
• Addition of tri sodium phosphate
• All the options are right

• Ans- all the options

Retention or Bonding of alginate to
tray

• Use Perforated stock trays

• Mechanical interlocking.
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Manipulation of Alginate
Instruments used

• Plastic bowl
• Curved spatula
• Alginate powder
• Water
 Use Separate Bowls
• Gypsum can
cause Alginate
acceleration of
setting of
alginate

• Alginate Stone
contamination
can decrease
strength of
casts
• Fluff the powder before measuring
to get uniform distribution of
components
• Ensure no large voids
• Powder dispensing cup is slightly
overfilled tapped gently with spatula to
fill the voids in the dispensing cup
Water-to-Powder Ratio

• An adult Mandibular
impression generally requires
one scoops of powder and half
measures of water(24ml).

• An adult maxillary impression

generally requires two scoops
of powder and one measures of
water(48ml).
 Mixing
▪ Measured powder is added slowly
to the premeasured water that has
already been poured into a clean
rubber bowl
▪ First powder Should be wetted.
▪ Mixed with a vigorous figure 8
stropping motion with the mix
being wiped or stropped against
the side of the rubber – mixing
bowl to express air bubbles.
▪ Mixing time - 45 sec - 1 min.
Mixing
Under spatulation Over spatulation
• Inadequate wetting • Reduction in working
& lack of time.
homogeneity. • Reduction in strength
• Mix will be grainy & due to destruction of
poor recording of calcium alginate
details & mechanical network gel fibrils as
properties they form
▪ The final mix should be a smooth, creamy
mixture that does not drip off from the
spatula when it is raised from the bowl.
No lumps of powder should remain

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 Loading
• A thin layer of alginate tray adhesive is applied
• Then mixed alginate is transferred to a perforated
tray by using mixing spatula & is generally added
to the posterior portion of the tray and pushed
towards anterior portion.

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 Impression recording

• Alginate is a weak material,

hence sufficient bulk is
needed
• So thickness of 3 mm should
be used between tray &
tissues
• The loaded tray is carried to
the patient’s mouth to record
the impression.
• The tray is held gently until
the alginate sets

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▪ Gelation starts from warmer tissue side to the cooler tray
side material.
 Removal

• The tray and impression should be

removed from the mouth for at least
3 min after gelation , with a single
sudden jerk to minimize permanent
deformation.

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Washing & Disinfection

• It should be washed under

running tap water & excess
water should be shaken off
& disinfected.
Disinfectants:-
• Disinfectant solution - household
bleach (1-10 Dilution), iodophors,
or synthetic phenol
• Impression is kept in a sealed
plastic bag for 10 min in a
disinfectant solution
• Finally wrapped impression is
removed from the bag,
unwrapped, rinsed & shaken to
remove excess water
Construction of cast

➢ Should be poured immediately

with mix of dental stone and
water as alginate are not
dimensionally stable.

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 Precautions
• Instruments must be absolutely clean – as
gypsum impurity accelerate the reaction
• Don’t inhale the dust – causes health hazards
• Use correct W/P ratio
• Air should not be incorporated during mixing
• Both under spatulation and over spatulation
should be avoided.
• Thickness – 3-5 mm
• Mixing Water temperature – 18-
23*c
• During gelation tray must not be
disturbed
• Remove the impression from the
mouth with a single sudden jerk
• Impression should be held in the
mouth for at least 2-3 min after
the gelation
• Cast should be poured
immediately
 MCQ

• The minimum thickness of alginate

impression material between tray & the
tissue should be -------------- mm

• 0-1
• 3-5
• 8-9
• 7-8

• Ans- 3-5
 Types of Failures : IN ALGINATE
Type Cause
1. Grainy Material a. Improper mixing
b. Prolonged mixing
c. Excessive gelation
d. Water: Powder ratio too low.

2. Tearing a. Inadequate Bulk

b. Moisture contamination
c. Premature removal from mouth
d. Prolonged mixing
 Types of Failures : IN ALGINATE
Type Cause
3. Bubbles a. Undue gelation preventing flow
b. Air incorporated during mixing.

4. Irregularly shaped voids a. Moisture or debris on tissues

5. Rough or chalky stone a. Inadequate cleaning of

cast impressions
b. Excess water left in impressions
c. Premature removal of cast
d. Leaving cast in impression too
long
e. Improper manipulation of stone.
Types of Failures : IN ALGINATE
Type Cause
f. Impression not poured immediately
g. Movement Improper manipulation
of stone.
h. Movement of the tray during
gelation
i. Premature /improper removal from
mouth
 ADVANTAGES

1. Reproduces excellent surface detail.

2. High elastic recovery.
3. Record undercuts.
4. Comfortable to the patient.
5. Hygienic since fresh material is used
each time.
6. Inexpensive.
DISADVANTAGES
1. Dimensionally unstable.
2. Low tear strength.
3. Cannot be electroplated.
4. No proper storage medium.
5. Cannot be added if faulty.

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 Uses
• To record the impression of dentulous arches
in the preparation of crown & bridges, partial
denture to limited extent
• Preliminary impression for complete denture
preparation
• Impression in orthodontia to prepare study
models
• To record the impression to construct athletic
mouth protectors
• For duplicating cast & models
MODIFIED ALGINATES

1. DUST FREE/DUST LESS ALGINATES

2. SILICONIZED ALGINATES
3. ALGINATES IN THE FORM OF SOL
4. CHROMATIC OR COLOR INDICATOR ALGINATE
5. HARD & SOFT SET ALGINATE
6. ALGINATES CONTAINING DISINFECTANTS

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DUST FREE ALGINATES

Reason for Development:

▪ Alginate uses diatomaceous earth as

filler. Diatomaceous earth contains finely
divided silica particles (10 – 15% )
▪ These silica particles are found to be a
source of health hazard (SILICOSIS &
PULMONARY HYPER-SESITIVITY) , if
inhaled.
Modification:-

❖In an effort to reduce dust encountered

after tumbling, manufacturer have
introduced “dustless” alginate
❖In which manufacturer have
incorporated polyethylene glycol or
glycerin on the alginate powder to
agglomerate the particles.
❖This causes the powder to become
denser
 SILICONIZED ALGINATES

• Modified by the incorporation of silica

particles.
• These are supplied as two
consistencies .
• Tray and syringe consistencies .
• These are considered as hybrids of
alginates and silicone elastomers but
their properties are closely match to
those of alginates.
SILICONIZED ALGINATES
Advantages:

➢ Have superior resistance to tearing

when compared to unmodified
alginates.

Disadvantages:

➢ Dimensional stability is poor.

 ALGINATES IN THE FORM OF SOL

❖Alginate is supplied in the form of sol

containing water without the source of
calcium ions

❖ A reactor CaSo4 added to the sol .

❖Alginate sol in water + CaSo4

Calcium alginate gel

CHROMATIC OR COLOR INDICATOR ALGINATE
❖The purpose is to indicate different stages of the
manipulation,& help the operator during recording
the impression
❖ chemical reactions take place by change of color in
each stage of manipulation.
❖The indicator incorporated gives a color change as the
setting continues .
❖For e.g.: Violet color – during spatulation.
Pink color – ready to load.
White color – material has set.
 MCQ
• Name the type of alginate used to indicate
different stages of the manipulation & which
helps the operator during recording the
impression.

• DUST FREE ALGINATES

• CHROMATIC OR COLOR INDICATOR ALGINATE
• Hard & soft alginate
• SILICONIZED ALGINATES

• Ans- CHROMATIC OR COLOR INDICATOR

ALGINATE
 Hard & soft alginate

• Produced by adjusting the percentage of

filler to control the flexibility of set
impression material
• Hard set alginate has a flexibility – 5 to 8 %
ALGINATES CONTAINING DISINFECTANTS

❖Contain disinfectant in the material itself

which destroy the microorganisms.

❖This eliminates the disinfection of the

impression by immersing in or spraying
with disinfectant which may lead to
dimensional changes.

E.g.: Quaternary ammonium salt or

chlorohexamine is added to alginate
powder.
Laminate technique (Alginate –Agar method)
• The agar syringe material is injected into the
prepared cavity & chilled alginate in an perforated
impression tray positioned over it.

• Alginate gels by a chemical reaction where as agar

gels by means of contact with cooler alginate
rather than water circulating tray.

• Agar contacts the prepared teeth & maximum

detail is reproduced

• The impression may be removed in about 4

minutes.
Advantages

a. Cost of equipment is lower because

only syringe need to be heated.

b. Elimination of water cooled trays.

c. Records all the finer details.

 Disadvantage :-

1. Bond between the agar &

alginate is not always sound
2. Higher viscosity of alginate
material displaces the agar
hydrocolloid during seating
3. Poor dimensional stability
Agar duplicating material
 DUPLICATING MATERILS
• These are the materials
used to make an
accurate replica of
model or cast in the
construction of
prosthetic appliances,
partial dentures &
orthodontic models.

• Hydrocolloids (Both) are

used as a duplicate
dental.
Reasons for duplication :-
a. The cast on which the wax
pattern of metal frame
work is to be formed must
be made from a refractory
investment, since it must
withstand the high casting
temperatures.
b. The original cast is required
for checking the accuracy of
the metal frame work & for
processing the acrylic
portion of the denture.
 Classification
According to A.D.A Specification no. 20,
are of two types.

Class – I (thermo reversible)

E.g.: Agar -agar & PVC gel

Class – II (non – reversible)

E.g.: alginate & elastomers

Other way of classifying

Class I Aqueous : Agar -Agar, Alginates

Class II Non aqueous : PVC Gel, Elastomers
 Properties
Requirements as per ADA no 20

• Maxi permanent deformation = 3% ( for all)

• Strain in compression = 4 – 25 % (for all)

• Mini compressive strength

TYPE I – 2200 gm/cm2 = 0,215 Mpa
TYPE II -- 2600 gm/cm2 = 0.255 Mpa

• Minimum teat strength = 900 gm/cm (for all)

Properties :

Type I Aqueous – Agar -Agar

– Excellent reproduction of finer details
– Sufficient strength, flexibility and tear
strength to duplicate undercuts
– Dimensionally unstable

Type I Non Aqueous: PVC Gels

– Sufficient strength, flexibility, and chemical
stability which permits large numbers of
duplications
Type II Aqueous – Alginate
• Simple method ( no heating equipments)
• Dimensionally unstable
• Not reusable

Type II Non Aqueous Elastomers

(Polysilicones and polyether)
• Excellent reproduction of all the finer details
• Good dimensional stability
• Can be used to get many duplicates
• Compatible with duplicating die materials
• But expensive and cannot be reused
 Duplicating procedure:
Duplicating flask
plastic

metallic

base
Duplicating procedure
 Procedure

• Cast is placed on a glass slab surrounded

by a metal duplicating flask.
• Agar gel is heated to 1000C to convert
the gel to sol and then allowed to cool to
500C before use.
• The fluid material is then poured
through a hole in the top of the flask
until it overflows through another hole.
• After gelation, the master cast is
removed with a single sudden jerk to
minimize permanent deformation
Duplicating cast
should be poured
immediately with dye
stone or refractory
material (GBI or PBT)
to avoid dimensional
changes due to
syneresis or
imbibition.
Thank You