The effect of polymerization mode on mechanical properties of commercial self-adhesive cements associated with hydroxyapatite

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties of self-adhesive resin cements mixed with hydroxyapatite, as a function of the polymerization activation mode among a variety of commercial self-adhesive cements. Four cements (MaxCem Elite, Bifix SE, G-Cem, and RelyX U200) were mixed, combined with hydroxyapatite, dispensed into molds, and distributed into three groups, according to polymerization protocols: IP (immediate photoactivation for 40 s); DP (delayed photoactivation, 10 min self-curing plus 40 s light-activated); and CA (chemical activation, no light exposure). After polymerization, the specimens were stored at 37 °C for 24 h. After storage, a three-point bending test was performed at 0.5 mm/min. Flexural strength (S) and flexural modulus (E) were calculated. The fractured surfaces were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s test (5%). The tested parameters varied according with the resin cements and polymerization protocols. Regarding the S means, MaxCem Elite, G-Cem, and RelyX U200 demonstrated dependence on photoactivation (immediate or delayed), whereas Bifix SE exhibited no dependence on the polymerization protocol. The same was observed for Bifix SE for the E means, which presented the best balanced formulation, irrespective of the activation protocol. SEM analysis exhibited the presence of bubbles and porosities in all of the fractured surfaces. Chemical activation is not a guarantee of a complete polymerization for most of the cements tested. Only one of the cements maintained its mechanical properties when chemically activated, important characteristic in clinical situations in which the curing light penetrating the bulk material can be attenuated or scattered.