Abstract: | Mastication of gutta percha (trans-polyisoprene) resulted in the selective scission of molecules, producing a narrower distribution of lower molecular weights. The mechanical properties of the samples also underwent a significant change due to mastication. The greater the content of incompatible substances (salts and oxides) in commercial gutta percha. the more substantial were these effects. The atmosphere (air, N2, O2) in which the experiments were conducted yielded significantly different results. The decrease in molecular weight was far greater in an O2 atmosphere than under a current of nitrogen or air, owing to the combination of double bonds with O2. |