An FTIR study of the setting reaction of various endodontic sealers

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between setting time and setting conversion in endodontic sealers. The sealers tested were Roth's 811, Endion, Sealapex, and AH-26 Silverfree. The setting time was recorded according to International Standardization Organization 6876 specification, whereas the setting conversion was monitored by micro-multiple internal reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy immediately after mixing, before the setting time, at the setting time, and after the setting time. In Roth's 811, which showed the longest setting time, all free eugenol was consumed at the setting time. The setting conversion of Endion, Sealapex, and AH-26 Silverfree continued after the setting time. No correlation was found between setting time and setting conversion because of the different setting mechanisms involved in the materials tested.