Water sorption in resin-modified glass-ionomer cements: an in vitro comparison with other materials

The pattern of water uptake into a polyacid-modified composite resin (compomer), Dyract (D), was assessed using gravimetric analysis and tritiated water absorption. The results were compared with a resin composite, Herculite (H), a resin-modified glass-ionomer, Fuji II LC (FL), and a conventional glass-ionomer, Fuji II (F). Samples were stored in tritiated water for periods varying between 6 h and 6 months. The resulting change in gravimetric weight and dimensions was recorded. The tritiated water content was then assessed using liquid scintillation counting and this was compared to the gravimetric changes. The inherent water content of each material was also established. D and H showed a slow steady net uptake to 3% and 1.3% weight by volume (WV) respectively at 6 months. FL showed a rapid uptake reaching 8.9% WV at 7 days and 9.3% WV at 6 months. F showed a steady, less dramatic water uptake reaching 5.3% WV by 6 months. For the glass-ionomer materials, values for gravimetric water uptake and tritium release differed due to the ongoing acid base reaction and an increase in firmly bound water. This phenomenon was noted in D suggesting evidence of a similar reaction in this material.