Which characteristic describes Polyvinyl Siloxane (PVS) impression material?

Polyvinyl Siloxane (PVS) is characterized as hydrophobic, meaning it does not have an affinity for water and tends to repel moisture. This property is significant in dental applications because it affects how the material interacts with saliva and other fluids in the oral cavity during the impression-taking process. The hydrophobic nature ensures that the material can capture fine details accurately without being compromised by moisture, which could interfere with the impression fidelity.

In contrast, options describing PVS as hydrophilic or associated with slower setting times do not align with its established properties. PVS typically sets relatively quickly, generally within 5 to 7 minutes, rather than the 10-12 minute timeframe suggested. This rapid setting is beneficial for efficiency in clinical settings, making the hydrophobic characteristic particularly advantageous for obtaining accurate impressions in a wet environment.