The effects of a K2SO4 solution on the surface hardness of gypsum type III

Abstract

Gypsum type III is commonly used for working models and as a tool for restorations or dentures manufacturing in the laboratory. K2SO4 solution is recommended to be added to gypsum type III because it can accelerate the setting time. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a K2SO4 solution on the surface hardness of gypsum type III. The surface hardness was tested using a Vickers Hardness Tester with a load of 500 gf. The results were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. The surface hardness of gypsum type III manipulated using a 1.5% K2SO4 solution was higher than the surface hardness of gypsum type III manipulated without K2SO4 but lower than the surface hardness of gypsum type IV. Therefore, the use of a 1.5% K2SO4 solution can increase the hardness of gypsum type III but not enough to make it equivalent to the surface hardness of gypsum type IV.