The Effect of Acid Treatment Time, Particle Size, and Synthesis Method on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Dental Materials Produced from Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Gypsum

Abstract

FGD gypsum, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, is readily available and relatively inexpensive, which makes it an ideal material for a variety of applications. This study considered the use of FGD gypsum as a substitute for natural gypsum in dental materials. The goal of this research was to investigate how acid treatment time, particle size, and the synthesis method impact the physical and mechanical properties of dental materials to be used in a dental study model for training in dental sciences, and for casting a gypsum model after the removal of the impression material from the patient's mouth. The study used various sulfuric acid treatment times (15, 30, and 60 min), particle sizes (less than 0.1 mm, 0.1-0.35 mm, and 0.4-0.45 mm), and synthesis methods (Method A for dental plaster and Method B for dental stone). From the results, an acid treatment time of 15 min was sufficient for removing impurities from the FGD gypsum while enhancing the compressive strength. The smaller particles provided higher compressive strength than the larger particles. FGD gypsum became lighter in color when treated with sulfuric acid, and the crystal structure had a rough and porous surface. The synthesis methods had a significant influence on the physical properties of dental gypsum. The increased alpha calcium sulfate hemihydrate (α-HH) phase content resulted in improved compressive strength. The gypsum synthesized using Method B exhibited the highest compressive strength due to the presence of the α-HH phase of 65.9%. While gypsum synthesized using Method A contained a α-HH phase of 58.9%. For further study, once the suitable conditions for synthesizing gypsum that meet the compressive strength requirements of the ISO standard for dental materials are achieved, there will be ongoing research and development to improve various properties. Additionally, practical applications will be considered, such as using it in conjunction with modern techniques such as 3D printing instead of traditional die-casting methods.