Development of noncarcinogenic ring liner for dental casting and its basic properties.

Although ceramic fiber is widely used in ring liners for dental casting, its carcinogenicity is a matter of concern. We investigated the use of noncarcinogenic biosoluble fiber for ring liners. Plate-shaped biosoluble fiber was modified to obtain the same setting expansion as that of a commercial ring liner as a prototype, and we subjected it to scanning electron microscopic observation, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and a tensile test. The main components of the prototype were Mg, Si, and O and those of the commercial sample were Al, Si, and O. The prototype and commercial samples were mostly amorphous when not heated, and crystalline components were observed after heating. The tensile strength was significantly different between the prototype and commercial samples, but the difference was small and not problematic with regard to the ring liner strength.

Phosphate-bonded ZrSiO4 investments added with ZrC and ZrN for casting titanium.

In this study, new investments for titanium were developed by adding ZrC or ZrN as chemical additive for thermal expansion to a phosphate-bonded zircon (ZrSiO4) investment. The following effects were then examined: setting expansion, residual thermal expansion, and compressive strength of these experimental investments; surface roughness of cast plate; and casting accuracy of titanium crown. For residual thermal expansion, it occurred even while investments were cooled to room temperature after firing in air atmosphere. This was due to the additives' oxidation to ZrO2--suggesting that residual thermal expansion increased with increased amount of these additives. As for casting accuracy of full-crown cast into molds at room temperature, it correlated with the ZrN content. Hence by adding the right amount of ZrN, cast titanium crowns with low surface roughness and good adaptability could be obtained.

Thermal expansion typed investments for casting titanium.

New investments for titanium were developed by adding ZrC and ZrN as additives for thermal expansion to an MgO cement base investment with setting shrinkage and low thermal expansion. Setting, thermal and residual expansion, X-ray diffraction and compressive strength of these experimental investments, surface roughness of the cast plate and casting accuracy of titanium crowns were evaluated. Thermal expansion of investments increased with additive amounts, and residual expansion occurred even when cooling to room temperature after firing in an air atmosphere by the oxidation to ZrO2 of these additives. The casting accuracy of full-crowns cast into molds at room temperature correlated with the content of ZrC and ZrN. As the result the cast titanium crown could be obtained with low surface roughness and good adaptability.