Micromechanics of the dentin/adhesive interface

Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) was used in the burst mode at 400 MHz, n ominal lateral resolution 2.5 mum, to study the micromechanical properties of the dentin/adhesive interface. Corresponding specimens from the same too th were investigated using In. Raman spectroscopy, light microscopy, and sc anning electron microscopy.(1,2) The elastic moduli of the components of th e dentin/adhesive interface were determined by comparing the recorded acous tic impedance values to a calibration curve generated on standard materials . The standard materials, which include polypropylene, Teflon, PMMA, pyrex glass, aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel, provide the appropriate ran ge of acoustic impedance values, The elastic moduli of the components of th e dentin/adhesive interface are: partially demineralized dentin, 13 Gpa; mi neralized dentin, 28 Gpa; adhesive, 5.0 Gpa; and unprotected protein at the interface < 2.0 Gpa, (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.