Comparison of the Strength of Barnacle and Commercial Dental Cements

Abstract

The strength of barnacle cement was compared with commercial dental polymeric restorative materials and cements by use of a fracture mechanics approach in conjunction with a blister technique. Barnacles were "grown" on various surfaces and the adhesive fracture energy of the cements was determined. These values were compared quantitatively with available commercial materials. On a wet surface, barnacle cement was favored.