STUDIES IN THE SETTING OF POLYELECTROLYTE MATERIALS .2. THE EFFECT OF ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS ON A GLASS POLY(ALKENOATE) CEMENT

The effect on a water-activated glass poly(alkenoate) dental cement of replacing the water with methanol, 50/50 water/methanol or 50/50 water/HEMA has been studied. The presence of the organic compounds caused the setting reaction to be substantially slowed down, and the resulting cements to be significantly weaker than those prepared with water. The use of water/HEMA had less effect on the speed of set than the use of water/methanol, but led to weaker cements. The post-hardening maturation processes that gradually increase the compressive strength of glass poly(alkenoate) cements were found to take place in both water/HEMA and water/methanol.