The effect of particle size distribution on an experimental glass-ionomer cement

Abstract

The role of particle size and size distribution of glass powders in glass-ionomer cements (GICs) has been largely overlooked, being limited to demonstrations of the classical inverse size-strength relationship. This study investigated variation in properties of an experimental glass-ionomer cement when a combination of large ('Powder A') and small ('Powder B') particles was used. Large- (mean size 9.60 μm) and small-particle (3.34 μm) glass powders were blended in various proportions and mixed with powdered polyacrylic acid to make a range of glass-ionomer powders. These powders were mixed with a glass-ionomer liquid (SDI Ltd, Australia) at powder to liquid ratios of 2:1, 2.5:1, and 3:1, and..