gypsum:accelerator and reatarders

Retarders are additives used in gypsum products to slow down the setting time and extend the working time of the material. This is especially important in situations where you need more time to pour, mix, or manipulate the gypsum before it starts to harden. Here are some common retarders used in gypsum products:

1. **Borax (Sodium Borate):** Borax is a common retarder that slows down the setting reaction by delaying the hydration of the gypsum particles. It's often used in dental plaster and stone to increase the working time.

2. **Potassium Sulfate:** Potassium sulfate is another effective retarder used in gypsum products. It helps control the setting time and provides flexibility in manipulating the material before it solidifies.

3. **Tartaric Acid:** Tartaric acid is used as a retarder in dental plaster and stone. It can help extend the setting time, allowing for more precise casts and impressions.

4. **Sodium Citrate:** Sodium citrate is used as a retarder in gypsum products. It works by interfering with the setting reaction, resulting in a slower hardening process.

5. **Calcium Carbonate:** Calcium carbonate is sometimes used as a natural retarder. It slows down the reaction between water and the calcium sulfate hemihydrate in gypsum.

6. **Cellulose Derivatives:** Some retarders are derived from cellulose, which is a plant-based polymer. These additives can help control the setting time and improve the handling properties of gypsum products.

It's important to note that the appropriate amount of retarder to use depends on the specific application and the desired working time. Using too much retarder can significantly extend the setting time and may affect the final properties of the hardened gypsum.
In dental applications, these retarders can be crucial in achieving accurate impressions and casts, especially in complex cases that require more manipulation time. It's essential to follow manufacturer recommendations and guidelines when using retarders to ensure consistent and predictable results.


Accelerators are additives used in gypsum products to speed up the setting time, allowing the material to harden more quickly. This is particularly useful when you need to expedite the production process or when working with materials that require fast setting times. Here are some common accelerators used in gypsum products:

1. **Potassium Sulfate:** While potassium sulfate can also function as a retarder, it can act as an accelerator at higher concentrations. It promotes the early stages of gypsum setting and can be used to control the setting time based on the concentration used.

2. **Potassium Chloride:** Potassium chloride is another accelerator that can be added to gypsum products to hasten the setting process. It helps increase the rate of hydration of the gypsum particles.

3. **Calcium Chloride:** Calcium chloride is a widely used accelerator in gypsum products. It significantly accelerates the setting reaction and shortens the setting time. However, its excessive use can negatively affect the final properties of the hardened gypsum.

4. **Aluminum Sulfate:** Aluminum sulfate is commonly used as an accelerator in gypsum products. It can promote faster setting by enhancing the early stages of the hydration process.

5. **Sodium Chloride:** Sodium chloride (table salt) can also function as an accelerator for gypsum. Its effect on setting time is typically less pronounced compared to other accelerators.

6. **Magnesium Chloride:** Magnesium chloride can be used as an accelerator in gypsum products. It can affect the rate of the setting reaction and promote faster hardening.

Accelerators are especially useful in dental applications where time-sensitive procedures are involved, such as creating immediate dentures or obtaining quick casts for orthodontic appliances. However, it's essential to use accelerators in moderation, as excessive amounts can lead to undesirable effects such as shortened working times, reduced strength, and compromised dimensional stability.

When using accelerators, it's crucial to carefully follow manufacturer recommendations and guidelines to achieve the desired results without compromising the quality of the final gypsum product.

Sure, here are 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on the topic of types of gypsum products along with their answers:

**1. Which type of gypsum is commonly used for producing dental casts and models?**
A) Type I gypsum
B) Type II gypsum
C) Type III gypsum
D) Type IV gypsum
**Answer: B) Type II gypsum**

**2. Which type of gypsum is also known as "dental stone" and has a higher strength compared to other types?**
A) Type I gypsum
B) Type II gypsum
C) Type III gypsum
D) Type IV gypsum
**Answer: C) Type III gypsum**

**3. Which type of gypsum is used for making replicas of oral tissues and dentures due to its high expansion?**
A) Type I gypsum
B) Type II gypsum
C) Type III gypsum
D) Type IV gypsum
**Answer: D) Type IV gypsum**

**4. Which type of gypsum is used for making orthodontic models and master casts due to its low expansion?**
A) Type I gypsum
B) Type II gypsum
C) Type III gypsum
D) Type IV gypsum
**Answer: A) Type I gypsum**

**5. Which type of gypsum is commonly used for fabricating dies for crown and bridge restorations?**
A) Type I gypsum
B) Type II gypsum
C) Type III gypsum
D) Type IV gypsum
**Answer: B) Type II gypsum**

**6. Which type of gypsum is suitable for making diagnostic casts and working models for partial dentures?**
A) Type I gypsum
B) Type II gypsum
C) Type III gypsum
D) Type IV gypsum
**Answer: A) Type I gypsum**

**7. Which type of gypsum exhibits the highest compressive strength and is used for making casts that require high abrasion resistance?**
A) Type I gypsum
B) Type II gypsum
C) Type III gypsum
D) Type IV gypsum
**Answer: C) Type III gypsum**

**8. Which type of gypsum is also known as "dental plaster" and is commonly used for making impression trays?**
A) Type I gypsum
B) Type II gypsum
C) Type III gypsum
D) Type IV gypsum
**Answer: A) Type I gypsum**

**9. Which type of gypsum is chemically altered to improve its setting time, strength, and resistance to abrasion?**
A) Type I gypsum
B) Type II gypsum
C) Type III gypsum
D) Type IV gypsum
**Answer: B) Type II gypsum**

**10. Which type of gypsum is produced by heating gypsum to a higher temperature to remove water content and is used for creating die stones?**
A) Type I gypsum
B) Type II gypsum
C) Type III gypsum
D) Type IV gypsum
**Answer: D) Type IV gypsum**

These questions cover different types of gypsum products used in dentistry and their applications.



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