The document discusses elastic impression materials, specifically hydrocolloids like agar and alginate. It provides details on their composition, properties, uses and advantages/disadvantages. Agar is extracted from seaweed and sets via chemical reaction. Alginate is also derived from seaweed and sets via reaction with calcium sulfate. Both materials are inexpensive, easy to use and comfortable for patients, though they lack the accuracy of elastomers for crown and bridge work.