How mobile are protons in the structure of dental glass ionomer cements?

• DOI: 10.1038/srep08972
• Publication Date: 2015-03-10T10:39:37Z
• Authors: Ana R. Benetti; Johan Jacobsen; Benedict Lehnhoff; Niels C. R. Momsen; Denis V. Okhrimenko; Mark T. F. Telling; Nikolay Kardjilov; Markus Strobl; Tilo Seydel; Ingo Manke; Heloisa N. Bordallo
• Keywords: Biophysics; Large scale facilities for research with photons neutrons and ions; [PHYS.COND.CM-MS] Physics [physics]/Condensed Matter [cond-mat]/Materials Science [cond-mat.mtrl-sci]; Article; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; /dk/atira/pure/core/keywords/TheFacultyOfScience; name=Faculty of Science; Faculty of Science; [PHYS.COND.CM-MS]Physics [physics]/Condensed Matter [cond-mat]/Materials Science [cond-mat.mtrl-sci]; /dk/atira/pure/core/keywords/TheFacultyOfScience; biomaterials

AbstractThe development of dental materials with improved properties and increased longevity can save costs and minimize discomfort for patients. Due to their good biocompatibility, glass ionomer cements are an interesting restorative option. However, these cements have limited mechanical strength to survive in the challenging oral environment. Therefore, a better understanding of the structure and hydration process of these cements can bring the necessary understanding to further developments. Neutrons and X-rays have been used to investigate the highly complex pore structure, as well as to assess the hydrogen mobility within these cements. Our findings suggest that the lower mechanical strength in glass ionomer cements results not only from the presence of pores, but also from the increased hydrogen mobility within the material. The relationship between microstructure, hydrogen mobility and strength brings insights into the material's durability, also demonstrating the need and opening the possibility for further research in these dental cements.