Effects of solvent drying time on mass change of three adhesives

AIM: Adhesives may change their mass due to water sorption or dilution of components after curing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of air-drying time and water storage on mass changes (MC) of three adhesives; Adper Single Bond2 (ASB), One-step plus (OSP), Clearfil S(3) Bond (CSB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rectangular-shape samples from each adhesive were prepared and cured for 120 s with a halogen light curing unit. Prior to curing, their solvent was evaporated by means of three different procedures depending on the passive air-drying time (i.e., no air drying, equal to active air drying, complete evaporation after 3 h). Each group was further divided into two subgroups based on the time of water storage (1-day, 7-days), prior to measurement of MC (n = 10). The data were analyzed using a three-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Adhesives showed different patterns of MC in relation to air drying and water storage; (P < 0.05). In OSP and CSB with increasing water storage and air drying, the MC increased significantly (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The highest MC in the etch-and-rinse adhesives was observed when the adhesive was not dried, while in the self-etch adhesive the highest changes were observed when the adhesive was completely dried.