Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the linear dimensional change, surface hardness and surface roughness of the refractory casts poured against different duplicating media. Polyvinyl siloxane and Agar-agar were used for duplicating the stainless steel die. Sixty refractory models were prepared which were divided into two groups: I and II with 30 samples each respectively. Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups with 10 samples each which were treated differently. All the specimens were measured for the linear dimensional change and surface hardness and the obtained data was statistically analyzed. Surface roughness was evaluated qualitatively taking SEM photomicrographs. Statistical analysis of linear dimensional change using one-way ANOVA showed statistically significant difference between subgroups of group I and non-significant difference between subgroups of group II. One-way ANOVA for Brinell hardness number showed statistically significant difference between the subgroups of group I & II. Student's 't' test results for linear dimensional change among different subgroups of group I & II showed significant difference between IA-IIA, IB-IIB, IC-IIC. Similarly 't'-test results for Brinell hardness number showed significant difference between subgroups IA-IIA, IB-IIB, and IC-IIC. Surface characteristics of the refractory casts poured against polyvinyl siloxane duplicating media were found to be better than the Agar media.