Development and characterization of a novel cassava-based impression material: A comparative study with alginate.

This study aimed to develop a novel cassava starch (CS)-based impression material and evaluate its physicochemical properties in comparison with conventional alginate. CS impression material was developed by combining CS with fillers and setting modifiers. Novel impression material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and moisture content determination. Five water-powder (W/P) ratios (0.52, 0.60, 0.64, 0.68, 0.72) were assessed; W/P 0.64 was optimal, yielding the shortest setting time (9.33±0.51 min) with Rate 1 surface reproducibility. At this ratio, viscosity, tear strength, dimensional stability, elastic recovery, and compressive strength were compared with alginate (Tropicalgin, Zhermack, Italy; n=6). CS material demonstrated superior compressive strength (0.71 vs. 0.43 MPa, p=0.006), lower viscosity (2.20×103 vs. 7.73×103 cP, p<0.001), and markedly less dimensional change at 60 min (1.01 vs. 7.50 mm, p<0.001). Alginate exhibited significantly better elastic recovery (94.33% vs. 51.67%, p<0.001). Independent t-tests were applied (p<0.05).