Analysis of filler particle levels and sizes in dental alginates

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the inorganic filler fractions and sizes of commercially alginates. The inorganic particles volumetric fractions of five alginates – Jeltrate(J), Jeltrate Plus(JP), Jeltrate Chromatic Ortho(JC), Hydrogum(H) and Ezact Krom(E) were accessed by weighing a previously determined mass of each material in water before and after burning samples at 450 °C for 3 hours. Unsettled materials were soaked in acetone and chloroform and sputter-coated with gold for SEM evaluation of fillers’ morphology and size. The results for the volumetric inorganic particle content were (%): J – 48.33, JP – 48.33, JC – 33.79, H – 37.55 and E – 40.55. The fillers presented a circular appearance with helical form and various perforations. Hydrogum fillers looked like cylindrical, perforated sticks. The mean values for fillers size were (μm): J – 12.91, JP – 13.67, JC – 13.44, E – 14.59 and H – 9 (diameter), 8.81 (length). The results of this study revealed differences in filler characteristics that could lead to different results when testing mechanical properties.