Objectives: The aim of this study was to synthesize an alternative acidic monomer (polypropylene glycol phosphate methacrylate--Poly-P) to constitute experimental two-step self-etch adhesive systems and also to evaluate its influence on the pH and microshear bond strength (μSBS) to enamel.
Methods: Primers containing Poly-P (10, 15, 30 or 50wt.%), HEMA, ethanol, and water were prepared and allocated in subgroups according to a buffered or non-buffered pH. One experimental control and one commercial (Clearfill™ SE Bond) references were used. μSBS protocol was performed at human enamel, followed by mechanical testing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed after each primer application. Data was analysed by one-way Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests (p<0.05) and by linear regression predictive models.
Results: As greater the Poly-P content, the lower the primer's pH. Buffered groups showed lower μSBS values than non-buffered groups. Groups with Poly-P content equal or higher than 30wt.% showed similar μSBS results when compared to the controls. SEM images demonstrated that primers with high Poly-P content etched enamel with prisms exposure.
Conclusions: The pH of the primer was directly influenced by the concentration of acidic monomer, which directly affected the adhesion to enamel. Both the acidity and the type of acid-functional monomer present in the adhesive influenced the bond strength results.
Clinical significance: Poly-P synthesis was easy and effective, and considering the good bond strength results obtained, this acid-functional monomer may be potentially used in the formulation of self-etch dental adhesive systems.
Keywords: Acidic monomer; Dental adhesive; Micro-shear bond strength; Scanning electron microscopy; Self-etching; pH.
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