The effect of nonionic surfactants on bubble entrapment in elastomeric impression materials

The incorporation of certain nonionic surfactants into silicone and polysulfide elastomers increases their wettability by gypsum products and consequently results in less bubble entrapment in poured casts. The choice of the most effective surfactant is critical and differs not only between types of elastomer, but also between brands of a single type. The beneficial effect of the optimal surfactant is not reduced by rinsing the impression prior to pouring. While the working time of silicone is increased by surfactant additions, that of polysulfide is essentially unaffected, as are the dimensional accuracies and permanent deformations of both materials.