Evaluation of the interfacial work of fracture of glass-ionomer cements bonded to dentin

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the interfacial work of fracture of conventional (C-) and resin-modified (RM-) glass-ionomer cements (GICs) bonded to dentin. Methods: One hundred and sixty five aries-free human molars were embedded in epoxy resin, sectioned and polished with 300- and 600- grit silicon carbide paper to remove enamel on the occlusal surface. Equilateral triangular-shaped plastic molds (4×4×4×5mm4) were clamped to the prepared dentin surfaces by a stainless steel test apparatus. Teflon tape was placed under one internal vertex of the mold to create a 0.1-mm notch at the material-dentin interface. Interfacial work of fracture (γwofint) in tensile fracture mod..