Physical properties of calcium hydroxide and glass-ionomer base and lining materials

Compressive, diametral tensile and flexural strengths, moduli of elasticity, pH, and acid solubility values were compared for six calcium hydroxide cements, seven glass-ionomer cements, and one calcium aluminate cement. Results indicated that the glass-ionomer materials were generally stronger than the calcium hydroxide liners. Prisma VLC Dycal showed the lowest value for modulus of elasticity and the least acid solubility. The glass-ionomer materials were initially acidic, reaching a final pH between 5.4 and 7.3, whereas the calcium hydroxide and calcium aluminate cements were strongly alkaline at all time intervals.