A STUDY ON THE THERMAL DIFFUSION THROUGH VARIOUS THICKNESS OF BASE AND RESTORATION MATERIALS

수복물(修復物)과 양장재(襄裝材)의 열확산(熱擴散)에 관(關)한 연구(硏究)

The purpose of this study was to examine the thermal diffusion through bases and restorations. The three principle types of base and two restorative materials were included in this study. They were representive brands of a zinc phosphate cement, a zinc oxide-eugenol cement, a calcium hydroxide paste, an amalgam and a composite resin (table 1). The specimens were prepared by placing the bases or restorative materials in laminated plastic molds. 5-mm diameter holes were prepared in the center of square of plastics which were 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0mm thick respectively (fig. 1). All materials were manipulated in accordance with manufacturer's recommended proportions. All experimental procedures were carried out dividing them into eight different groups (table 2). Thermal diffusion was measured by means of digital thermometer (DP-100, RKC. instrument Inc. JAPAN) with the surface thermocouple placed on bottom surface of the specimen applying a constant source of heat and cold to the top surface of the each specimen. The thermal stimulus temperature applied on the each specimen surface was in the range of $60^{\circ}C$, $0^{\circ}C$ and $-50^{\circ}C$ respectively. The thermal change were recorded automatically on the multi-Pen recorder (R-16, Rikadenki, Co. JAPAN) connected with thermocouple tips which were centered on the bottom of the specimen. The following results were as follows, 1. Temperature diffusion was highest through amalgam and slowest through the composite resin. 2. As the thickness of restorations increased, the temperature change was decreased. 3. Thermal diffusion was slowest in the presence of zinc oxide-eugenol bases, followed by calcium hydroxide and zinc phosphate cement. 4. The efficiency of the cement bases in providing thermal insulation was dependent on their thickness beneath the restorations. 5. Thermal change was great in the range of $60^{\circ}C$ and $-50^{\circ}C$, but little in the range of $0^{\circ}C$.