Chemical, physical and mechanical properties of a novel calcium aluminate endodontic cement

Abstract

Oliveira IR, Pandolfelli VC, Jacobovitz M. Chemical, physical and mechanical properties of a novel calcium aluminate endodontic cement. International Endodontic Journal.Aim To evaluate the influence of additives on several physical and chemical properties of a novel endodontic cement based on calcium aluminate in comparison with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).Methodology Manipulation tests, measurements of temperature, pH, ionic conductivity, compressive strength, apparent porosity, and pore size distribution were carried out on Gray-MTA (Angelus) and calcium aluminate cement (Secar-71, Kerneos) with and without various additives: a polymeric dispersant, CaCl2 as plasticizer, and ZnO as radiopacifier.Results The calcium aluminate cement without additives had a setting time of approximately 60 min, and when combined with Li2CO3 it decreased to 10 min. The material also released Ca2+ ions and alkalinized the medium. Moreover, the addition of additives (dispersant, plasticizer, and radiopacifier) improved its properties resulting in a material with a viscosity of 57 mPa s, enhanced handling properties, a mechanical strength of 81 MPa, a porosity of 4% and pores with small diameter (0.25 μm). MTA had no temperature increase (that indicates setting) up to 400 min, a mechanical strength of 34 MPa, and porosity of 28% with pores 2.5 μm in diameter.Conclusion The novel cement set more rapidly, had better fluidity, improved handling properties, higher mechanical strength, and reduced porosity with lower pore size compared to Gray-MTA Angelus. © 2010 International Endodontic Journal.