Objectives: To use (31)P solid-state MAS-NMR to determine which compounds form in phosphate-bonded dental casting investment material during setting, when the ambient temperature is altered. To determine whether they differ in material originating at the center of the mix from material that adheres to the mixing bowl wall.
Methods: (1)H high powered decoupled (HPDC) and (1)H cross polarized (CP) (31)P solid-state MAS-NMR spectroscopy were used at a resonance frequency of 121.4MHz to determine molecular structure. Four commercial products were examined. Manufacturer's instructions were followed and special liquid used without dilution. Ambient temperature was between 18 and 37 degrees C.
Results: Molecular structures change with ambient temperature and product. Amorphous Mg(3)(PO(4))(2) or struvite dominate with newberyite, cattiite, amorphous Mg(2)P(2)O(7) and amorphous MgHPO(4) present as minor phases. Exceptionally, amorphous MgHPO(4) dominates. Differences in structure were found in material taken from the center of the mix compared with that scraped from the bowl wall, but the incidence may be specific to the product/mixer combination and not a general effect.
Significance: The formation of compounds in phosphate-bonded investment can be affected by ambient temperature. This effect and the use of material adhering to the bowl wall (instead of that from the center of the mix) are possible causes for the unpredictability of setting expansion measurements between laboratories. There is variation between products. When phosphate-bonded investment is required for casting, a consistent ambient temperature must be used and it would be wise to mix sufficient material to avoid scraping the bowl.