In Vitro Analysis of AHPlus and MM-Seal by ESR and Thermoanalytical Methods

The free radicals and their concentration in resin materials may impact biocompatibility and polymerization properties of dental materials. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are free radicals and to obtain useful information about thermal stability of materials using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, TGA (Thermogravimetry Analysis) and DTA (Differential Thermal Analysis) methods. Epoxy resin-based sealers AHPlus and MM-Seal samples, freshly mixed and set, were prepared to be analysed with ESR and thermal methods. The free radicals were found in dental materials. As radical concentration in AHPlus have changed very slowly, the concentration in MM-Seal have decreased dramatically. Also, MM-Seal was found to decompose in three steps with the increasing temperature, while decomposition of the AHPlus occurred in two steps.