X-ray diffraction analysis of MTA-Plus, MTA-Angelus and DiaRoot BioAggregate

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Materials Characterization
• Crystallography

Background:

• Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Bio-ceramics are widely used in endodontics.
• Understanding their crystalline composition is crucial for predicting clinical performance.
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a key technique for phase identification and structural analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the crystalline structures of MTA Plus (MTA-P), MTA Angelus (MTA-A), and DiaRoot BioAggregate (BA) using XRD.
• To identify the major crystalline constituents and differences between these dental materials.

Main Methods:

• Powder and set forms of MTA-P, MTA-A, and BA were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD).
• Samples were prepared according to manufacturer instructions and set under controlled humidity and temperature.
• Phase identification was performed using search-match software.

Main Results:

• MTA-P primarily contained bismuth oxide, portlandite, dicalcium silicate, and tricalcium silicate.
• MTA-A shared constituents with MTA-P but lacked portlandite and contained tricalcium aluminate.
• BA's composition differed due to the presence of tantalum oxide as a radiopacifier.

Conclusions:

• The tested materials exhibit similarities in major constituents, with notable differences in tricalcium aluminate (MTA-A) and tantalum oxide (BA).
• Set MTA-P demonstrated a significant portlandite peak.
• These compositional variations may influence the biological and physical properties of the materials.