Accuracy and Precision of Silicon Based Impression Media for Quantitative Areal Texture Analysis

Abstract

Areal surface texture analysis is becoming widespread across a diverse range of applications, from engineering to ecology. In many studies silicon based impression media are used to replicate surfaces, and the fidelity of replication defines the quality of data collected. However, while different investigators have used different impression media, the fidelity of surface replication has not been subjected to quantitative analysis based on areal texture data. Here we present the results of an analysis of the accuracy and precision with which different silicon based impression media of varying composition and viscosity replicate rough and smooth surfaces. Both accuracy and precision vary greatly between different media. High viscosity media tested show very low accuracy and precision, and most other compounds showed either the same pattern, or low accuracy and high precision, or low precision and high accuracy. Of the media tested, mid viscosity President Jet Regular Body and low viscosity President Jet Light Body (Coltène Whaledent) are the only compounds to show high levels of accuracy and precision on both surface types. Our results show that data acquired from different impression media are not comparable, supporting calls for greater standardisation of methods in areal texture analysis.

Canine and incisor microwear in pitheciids and Ateles reflects documented patterns of tooth use

“…High-resolution epoxy-polymer casts (Epotek 301; Epoxy Technologies, Inc., Billerica, MA) were prepared from these molds (e.g., Rose, 1983;Teaford and Oyen, 1989b;Galbany et al, 2006;Goodall et al, 2015). High-resolution epoxy-polymer casts (Epotek 301; Epoxy Technologies, Inc., Billerica, MA) were prepared from these molds (e.g., Rose, 1983;Teaford and Oyen, 1989b;Galbany et al, 2006;Goodall et al, 2015).…”

“…To prepare for molding, teeth were cleaned with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; then, molds were made with polysiloxane vinyl (President's Jet Regular Body; Coltene-Whaledent Corp., Mawah, NJ). High-resolution epoxy-polymer casts (Epotek 301; Epoxy Technologies, Inc., Billerica, MA) were prepared from these molds (e.g., Rose, 1983;Teaford and Oyen, 1989b;Galbany et al, 2006;Goodall et al, 2015).…”

Seeds, browse, and tooth wear: a sheep perspective

“…Molds are then made using a polyvinylsiloxane elastomer (Regular Body President, ref 6015 -ISO 4823, medium consistency, polyvinylsiloxane addition type; Coltene Whaledent). This product is known to be the most efficient one to replicate a given surface at fine scales (Galbany et al 2006;Goodall et al 2015).…”

Investigation on the Micromilled Surface Characterization Through Replica Technology

“…In a very recent study [7], Goodall et al investigated the replication accuracy of various silicon based replication media by analysing quantitative texture parameters. In particular, they explained how the main polymer characteristic that influences the replica fidelity is viscosity.…”