Ternary phase diagram of model dentin adhesive exposed to over-wet environments

J Dent Res. 2011 Dec;90(12):1434-8. doi: 10.1177/0022034511423398. Epub 2011 Sep 29.

Abstract

When adhesives and/or composites are bonded to the tooth, water in the environment can interfere with proper interface formation. Formation of water blisters and phase separation at the adhesive/dentin interface have appeared as new types of bond defects. To better understand this problem, we determined the near-equilibrium partition of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic components when exposed to over-wet environments. Model methacrylate-based adhesives were mixed with different amounts of water to yield well-separated aqueous and resin phases. It was found that less than 0.1% BisGMA but nearly one-third of the HEMA diffused into the aqueous phase, leaving the remaining resin phase relatively hydrophobic. A partial phase diagram was created for the ternary BisGMA/HEMA/water system. All the experimental phase partitioning data were plotted, and the points lay on a binodal curve that separated the single-phase region from the two-phase region. We obtained the 3 tie lines by connecting the 2 points of each conjugate pair of the phase partitioning data from the 3 sets of tripartite mixtures. Information about solubility, water miscibility, distribution ratio, and phase partitioning behavior could be obtained quantitatively. This type of phase diagram will provide a more thorough understanding of current adhesive performance and elucidate directions for further improvement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate / analysis
  • Dentin-Bonding Agents / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Methacrylates / analysis
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Solubility
  • Water / analysis

Substances

  • Dentin-Bonding Agents
  • Methacrylates
  • Water
  • Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate
  • hydroxyethyl methacrylate