Abstract This study evaluated the shear bond strength (SBS) of self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs) to dentin and their physical-chemical properties. Five commercial SARCs were evaluated [SmartCem®2 – DENTSPLY (SC2); BisCem® – Bisco (BC); SeT PP® − SDI (SeT); Relyx U100® – 3M ESPE (U100) and YCEM® SA - Yller (YCEM)]. The SARCs were evaluated for SBS to dentin (n = 10) after 24 h, 6 months, and 12 months. The dentin demineralization caused by acidic monomers was observed by SEM, and pH-neutralization of eluate was observed for 24 h. Degree of conversion (DC), rate of polymerization (Rp), flexural strength (FS), and elastic modulus (E) were evaluated. Immediate SBS of SC2, SET, U100, and YCEM were statistically higher than that of BC (p < 0.001). After 12 months, all SARCs showed reduced SBS values and U100 showed values similar to those of SET and YCEM, and higher than those of BC and SC2 (p = 0.001). Demineralization pattern of SARCs was similar. At 24h, all SARCs showed no differences in the pH-value, except BC and U100 (p < 0.001). YCEM showed the highest Rp. U100, YCEM, and SC2 showed statistically higher FS (p<0.001) and E (p < 0.001) when compared with SET and BC. U100 and YCEM showed the best long-term bonding irrespective of the storage period. A significant reduction in SBS was found for all groups after 12 months. SBS was not shown to be correlated with physical-chemical properties, and appeared to be material-dependent. The polymerization profile suggested that an increased time of light activation, longer than that recommended by manufacturers, would be necessary to optimize DC of SARCs.

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of different fillers on an experimental vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) at two different concentrations, 20% and 40%. Different fillers were added to an experimental VPS. The study was developed in two stages: (i) incorporation of fillers in different concentrations: (a) 20 wt% fillers, and (b) 40 wt%. The fillers were added to experimental VPS and mixed with a speed mixer; (ii) characterization of experimental VPS; after the base paste and catalyst paste were mixed, the experimental VPS was used to make specimens specifically for each test, which were stored at 23°C for 24 hours. The tests were designed according to the specific standardization for the analysis of tensile strength, detail reproduction, Shore A hardness, and elastic recovery. For analysis of filler size pattern, scanning electron microscopy at 1500× magnification was used. The aerosil OX-50 40% (AE), and pure aluminum hydroxide 40% (PAH) groups presented the highest tensile strength and Shore A hardness values. However, those were the only groups that did not present continuous detail reproduction of an intersection of 20 μm line. The elastic recovery was not statistically significant. The undesirable characteristics of VPS (lowest Shore A hardness and tensile strength) were observed when it was added to the composition of acrylic polymer (AP) and fiberglass (FG) in both concentrations, 20% and 40%. In groups AE and PAH, agglomerates of nanofillers were shown in SEM micrography, while the other groups presented different shapes and fillers sizes.

The influence of chemical cleaning agents on the bond strength between resin cement and glass-fiber posts was investigated. The treatments included 10% hydrofluoric acid, 35% phosphoric acid, 50% hydrogen peroxide, acetone, dichloromethane, ethanol, isopropanol, and tetrahydrofuran. Flat glass-fiber epoxy substrates were exposed to the cleaners for 60 s. Resin cement cylinders were formed on the surfaces and tested in shear. All treatments provided increased bond strength compared to untreated control specimens. All failures were interfacial. Although all agents improved the bond strength, dichloromethane and isopropanol were particularly effective.