ACID-BASE PROPERTIES OF ADHESIVE DENTAL POLYMERS

The surface energetics of three resins (polymethylmethacrylate, polyhy droxyethylmethacrylate, and Bis-GMA/triethyleneglycoldimethacrylate) c ommonly used in adhesive interactions with tooth hard tissues were eva luated according to the Fowkes acid-base theory of interfacial interac tions. From the measurement of the contact angle of test acidic and ba sic liquids on the sample surfaces, the acid-base contribution to the work of adhesion was evaluated. Results show that polyhydroxyethylmeth acrylate is a comparatively strong Lewis base, a finding that can expl ain the important role played by this material in the formulation of d entin adhesive.