Physical and mechanical properties of glass—ionomer cements

Abstract

Abstract A comparison is made of the mechanical properties of ionic polymer cements, prepared by reacting an aqueous poly(acrylic acid) solution with ion‐leachable inorganic powders. Out of the wide range of powders investigated, specially formulated aluminosilicate glasses gave the most promising results, and the properties of cements made from them are discussed in greater detail. In particular, the dependence of compressive strength on cement age is described, and the loss of water from the material when exposed to atmospheres of low relative humidity is shown to be related to property changes which occur under these conditions. An interpretation of these detrimental effects is presented in terms of variation in the cement microstructure, and methods of minimising the effects by various modifications to the basic system are reviewed.