Effect of cyclic loading and resin cement type used for luting fiber posts on bond strength at different root levels of crown-restored human teeth

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the bond strength (BS) of glass fiber posts (GFP) at different root levels when luted with conventional or self-adhesive cements in crown-restored human premolars subjected, or not, to cyclic mechanical loading.

Materials and Methods: Sixty lower premolar roots were endodontically treated and prepared for a GFP system. Half of the roots (n = 30) had their posts cemented with a self-adhesive resin cement, while the remaining roots followed a three-step conditioning method: acid etch, bonding agent, and a conventional resin cement. Metal crowns were luted onto the post-core preparations and the specimens were embedded to simulate the periodontium. Half of the specimens from each group (n = 15) were submitted to cyclic loading simulations (130 N; 2.0 Hz) and then sections were obtained from each root for the pushout BS test.

Results: Independently of the cyclic loading and the root level tested, the conventional resin cement provided significantly higher values of BS (p = 0.002). For either cement or either root level, cyclic loading caused a significant decrease in BS values (p = 0.023). The Tukey test indicated that, regardless of the resin cement used or the cyclic loading, BS was highest at the middle and cervical thirds of the root (p = 0.026), and their values did not differ between themselves.

Conclusions: When used for luting GFP, self-adhesive resin cement resulted in lower pushout BS than the conventional counterpart, with cyclic loading causing a decrease in BS of the GFP to dentin for both resin cements.     

Bonding ability of self-adhesive resin-cements after dentin biomodification with hyaluronic acid

Purpose: The present study evaluated the influence of the hyaluronic acid (HA) on the bonding ability of self-adhesive resin cements to dentin regarding the bond strength. Eighty bovine incisors were ground flat to obtain a 2-mm thick slices which received conical preparations. The specimens were randomly distributed into 4 groups (n = 15) according to the dentin pretreatment (1 – control: untreated dentin; 2 – application of HA) and the evaluation time (1 – control: immediate evaluation; 2 – hydrolytic degradation: 6 months of storage in water at 37 °C). Preparations received the application of a self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200 or MaxCem Elite). Push-out bond strength test was conducted (0.5 mm/min). The bond strength data was submitted to two-way ANOVA/Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). For U200, no significance was observed when comparing the immediate (24 h) and 6 months means for the control groups (unexposed specimens). Previous application of HA to dentin significantly reduced the bond strength of U200 to dentin in both evaluation times (p < 0.05). HA had no significant influence on the push-out bond strength means for the cement MAX in both evaluation times (p > 0.05). The type 1 failure mode (adhesive mode) occurred in 100% of the specimens, irrespective of the dentin treatment or evaluation times. Pretreatment of dentin with HA produces a material-dependent influence on the push-out bond strength. The bonding ability of RelyX U200 is negatively influenced by the pretreatment of dentin with HA, whereas the biomodification of dentin with this bioactive agent causes no impact for the cement MaxCem Elite.     

Bond Strength and Interfacial Ultramorphology of Current Adhesive Systems

This study evaluated the bond strength and ultramorphology of the resin-dentin interfaces produced by current dental adhesive systems. Nine dentin bonding agents were investigated. Restored teeth were vertically, serially sectioned to obtain bonded slices for interfacial TEM analysis or to produce bonded beams for the microtensile bond strength test. The one-step self-etching adhesives (Futurabond® NR and Hybrid Bond®) showed lower bond strength values than the three-step etch-&-rinse adhesive system All-Bond 3. Most bonding agents presented statistically similar mean bond strength values, which ranged from 41.3 ± 17.9 to 35.0 ± 5.3 MPa. The thickness of the hybrid layer varied according to the type of adhesive system used. While the etch and rinse adhesives with alcohol as organic solvent showed bond strength means higher than 40 MPa, the self-etching systems showed bond strength lower than 40 MPa. Resin-dentin interdifusion zone and resin tags were noted in all bonded interfaces.     

Inorganic characterizations and filler particles morphology of self-adhesive cements

This study evaluated the thermal and morphological filler characteristics of self-adhesive resin cements. The cements (Embrace WetBond, MaxCem Elite, Bifix SE, G-Cem, and RelyX U200) were manipulated according to the manufacturers׳ instructions. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis were performed to obtain the glass transition temperature (T_g) and weight loss. Specimens were also obtained to characterize the zeta potential, the mean particle size and distribution, and the polydispersity by dynamic light scattering. An elemental analysis of the fillers was also conducted using X-ray spectroscopy analysis and micromorphology under SEM. MaxCem Elite contained the least organic matrix, followed by G-Cem, Bifix SE, RelyX U200, and Embrace WetBond. Bifix SE presented the highest T_g and G-Cem the lowest. Bifix SE presented the broadest filler size distribution, exhibiting lower zeta potentials and mobility. G-Cem was found to be a highly filler loaded cement with the lowest effective diameter, highest zeta potential and mobility. RelyX U200 presented chromium in the composition and G-Cem presented fluorine. Differences in the nature and chemistry of inorganic fractions seemed to dictate the morphology of the filler content and also the thermal behavior of the materials tested and, may consequently influence the clinical performance of self-adhesive resin cements.     

A new way to increase the long-term bond strength of new-to-old concrete by the use of fly ash

The short-term and long-term bond strengths of new-to-old concrete were experimentally investigated with an emphasis on the influence of new concretes and binders. These new concretes included ordinary Portland cement concrete, expansive concrete and high-volume fly ash concrete, while the binders included pure cement paste (C-binder), expansive binder (E-binder) and fly ash mortar (F-binder). The results showed that the short-term bond strength of all specimens with fly ash concrete was lower than that with ordinary Portland cement concrete, which in turn was lower than that with expansive concrete. The bond strength of the specimens with F-binder was the lowest at the age of 7 days. However, the long-term bond strength of all specimens with added fly ash was the highest and strength losses were observed in the specimens repaired with expansive concrete or E-binder at the age of 3 years. The microstructure of the transition zone with F-binder was also studied by using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) at the ages of 28 days and 1 year, respectively.     

Bond Strength and Monomer Conversion of Bonding Agents Mixed with Restorative Composites Prior to Light Exposure

This study examined the effect of adhesive systems (either placed as directed or when mixed with composites prior to photocuring) on bond strength and monomer conversion. Occlusal surfaces of extracted human molars were ground flat and Scotchbond Multipurpose®, Single Bond®, or Clearfil SE Bond® adhesive systems were applied according to manufacturer's directions, mixed in situ with flowable or hybrid composites prior to photocuring. Specimens were prepared for microtensile bond-strength testing, and maximal bond strength at failure was recorded. Adhesives and composites were also placed on a diamond attenuated-total-reflectance unit, and infrared spectra were obtained kinetically. Addition of flowable Scotchbond prior to light-curing increased bond strength; however, no effect on Single Bond and Clearfil SE Bond was observed. The mixture of adhesives with composites resulted in lower monomer conversion for Scotchbond and Clearfil SE Bond.     

The effect of different cementing strategies and adhesive interface aging on microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of lithium disilicate ceramics to dentin

This study evaluated the effect of different cementing strategies and adhesive interface aging on microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max CAD) to dentin. Forty coronal dentin fragments were randomly assigned to four groups according to the cementing strategy used to bond lithium disilicate ceramic to coronal dentin surface (n = 10): U200 (self-adhesive resin cement (RC) RelyX U200®/3 M ESPE), SBU (single-step self-etching adhesive system (AS) Single Bond Universal®/3 M ESPE + RelyX ARC®/3 M ESPE RC), AdperSB (two-step etch-and-rinse AS Single Bond 2®/3 M + RelyX ARC®/3 M ESPE RC) and Scotchbond (three-step etch-and-rinse AS Scotchbond Multi-Purpose®/3 M + RelyX ARC®/3 M RC). After 48 h, the ceramic-tooth blocks were sectioned perpendicular to the adhesive interface in the form of sticks and randomly subdivided into two groups according to when they were to be submitted to μTBS testing: immediately or 6 months after storage in water. Some sticks were kept for analysis of the adhesive interface by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The μTBS test was performed in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). The data (MPa) were analyzed using split-plot ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Water storage decreased μTBS in all cementing strategies. The μTBS was greatest in the Scotchbond group and lowest in the U200 group, at both storage times. No signs of interface degradation were detected under SEM after water storage. In conclusion, water storage decreased bond strength, regardless of the adhesive cementation strategy, and that the three-step adhesive system/dual-cure resin cement ultimately performed better in terms of bond strength.     

Improve the strength of concrete-filled steel tubular columns by the use of fly ash

Concrete-filled steel tubular columns (CFTs) are becoming widely used in engineering. In the present paper, the addition of fly ash and an expansive agent to the concrete of CFTs or a thin layer of fly ash to the interface between steel tube and concrete (CFTFCs) to improve the compressive strength and the bond strength of CFTs was experimentally investigated. The results show that the expansive concrete-filled steel tubular columns (CFETs) have the highest bond strength and compressive strength at the age of 7 days, and CFTFCs have higher bond strength and compressive strength than fly ash concrete-filled steel tubular columns (CFFTs), which in turn are higher than CFTs. However, both bond strength and compressive strength of CFTFCs become the highest at the age of 28 days. The morphology (size and shape) of mineralogy and microstructure of the interface at the age of 28 days were also investigated by using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). It is shown that the strength improvement of CFTFCs mainly depends on the content of SiO₂ and CaO in the interface, and higher content of SiO₂ and/or lower content of CaO are preferred.     

Performance of polymer-modified self-leveling mortars with high polymer-cement ratio for floor finishing

Recently, polymer-modified mortar has been studied for proposed use on industrial floors as top coat with thin thickness, typically 5-15 mm. The purpose of this study is to evaluate basic properties of self-leveling materials using polymer dispersions as kinds of SBR latex, PAE and St/BA emulsions for thin coatings (under 3 mm in thickness). Superplasticizer and thickener have been included in the mixes to reduce bleeding and drying shrinkage as well as to facilitate the workability required. The self-leveling materials using four types of polymer dispersion are prepared with polymer-cement ratios of 50% and 75%, and were tested for basic characteristics such as density, flow, consistency change and adhesion in tension. The test results showed that the self-leveling mortars using PAE emulsion at a curing age of 28 days were almost equal to those of conventional floor using urethane and epoxy resins. The adhesion in tension of self-leveling mortars using SBR latex and PAE emulsion at a curing age of 3 days is over 1.67 MPa. It was noted that the consistency change is strongly dependent on the type of polymer dispersion. It is concluded that the self-leveling mortars with polymer dispersions can be used in the same manner as conventional floor-finishing materials using thermosetting resin in practical applications.     

Influence of glass fiber post translucency on microhardness and dentin bond strength of resin cement at different root levels

The aims of this study were (a) to evaluate the influence of glass fiber post translucency on the hardness of a light-cure resin cement within the root canal; (b) to assess dentin bond strength at different root levels. Fifty human canine roots were randomly divided into five groups. Translucent posts (Exacto, Angelus; White Post DC, FGM; FRC Postec Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent) were used in three groups, opaque posts (Exacto Opaco, Angelus) were used in one group and no posts were used in the last group. The posts were cemented using a light-cure resin cement (Variolink N Base, Ivoclar Vivadent). The roots were cross-sectioned into slices (two from the cervical, two from the middle, and two from the apical thirds) which were then submitted to microhardness and push-out tests. Two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test were performed. Cement microhardness was significantly higher in the translucent post groups when compared to opaque posts and no post. At the apical third, the White Post DC and FRC Postec groups showed higher microhardness values than those in the Exacto Translucido group. The type of glass fiber post did not significantly influence bond strength values. White Post DC and FRC Postec Plus provided higher resin cement microhardness values, especially at the most apical thirds. Bond strength was not dependent on the type of post used. Failure mode analysis suggested superior cement curing when the translucent posts were used.     

粉煤灰提取硫酸铝的残渣制备4A分子筛

利用粉煤灰酸法提取硫酸铝的残渣为原料,采用固相合成法进行4A分子筛的合成.并对其制备工艺条件和产品性能进行了实验研究,得到相应的较佳工艺条件为:粉煤灰酸渣∶氢氧化铝∶氢氧化钠=10∶4∶15;焙烧温度800 ℃～860 ℃,焙烧时间2 h～3 h;凝胶形成温度为55 ℃,时间2 h;晶化温度90 ℃～95 ℃,时间4 h～6 h.并对产品进行了XRD,SEM及IR等结构表征,与标准4A分子筛进行比较,结果显示所合成的产品为4A分子筛.     

热压成型与冷压成型粉煤灰基试块特性研究

试验研究了热压(120℃、20MPa)与冷压(20℃、20MPa)成型方法对粉煤灰基试块抗压强度的影响。采用XRD、FT-IR、SEM、TGA分析手段,分别对两种试块的矿物组成、成键结构、微观形貌和热失重特性进行对比分析。结果表明,热压成型试块的抗压强度是冷压成型的2.5倍;与冷压成型试块相比,热压试块的XRD谱图中检测出更加明显的硅铝酸盐水化产物衍射峰;FT-IR谱图中的[SiO_2]吸收峰强弱为:粉煤灰原样冷压成型试块热压成型试块;热压试块SEM图片中的颗粒痕迹更加模糊,有更为大量的絮状物微观形貌,且能谱中的钙硅原子比(Ca/Si)约为0.7,该比值为冷压型块的近1/3;热压和冷压试块的自由水失重率分别为3.0%和4.5%,硅铝酸盐水化物失重率分别为1.2%和0.3%。说明粉煤灰基热压成型试块较冷压成型试块具有更加明显和更加深刻的水化反应。