Inhibition of polymerization of polyvinyl siloxanes by medicaments used on gingival retraction cords.

Inhibition of polymerization of polyvinyl siloxane materials by latex products is well documented. It is thought to be caused by contamination of the chloroplatinic acid catalyst by sulfur compounds. Many medicaments, such as aluminum sulfate and ferric sulfate, used on gingival retraction cords have been accused of causing inhibition of set of polyvinyl siloxane materials. Several of these medicaments were tested with two polyvinyl siloxanes and found not to cause any inhibition of set.