The properties of a new endodontic material

The purpose of this study was to analyze the physical properties and chemical compositions of a new experimental cement (NEC) and compare them with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA); pH, working time, setting time, dimensional changes following setting, flow, film thickness, and chemical composition of NEC and MTA were assessed. For chemical compositions, all specimens were imaged and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The physical properties were performed according to ISO 6876:2001. Working time, pH, and dimensional changes of NEC and MTA showed similar results. Shorter setting time was obtained with the NEC compared with MTA (p < 0.05). The NEC showed more flow than MTA. In addition, the film thickness of the NEC was considerably less than the MTA (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). EPMA investigations indicated that lime (CaO) was the dominant compound in NEC and MTA; however, other compounds were significantly different. It was concluded that the chemical composition of NEC is different compare with MTA; it can be concluded that the NEC exhibits acceptable physical properties.