Methods: The cement consisted of a mixture of magnesium oxide (MgO), sodium dihydrogenphosphate (NaH2PO4) and borax (Na2B4O7•10H2O) with water. The kinetics of the setting reaction and subsequent exothermy was modulated by adjusting the relative proportion and the particle size of the reactants. Freshly prepared cement was immersed in water and the pH evolution was monitored. The setting and cohesion properties of the cement were determined. The set cements were characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties, microstructure, compressive strength and crystalline phases evolution.
Results: The cement showed an initial setting time of 7min and a very fast hardening, reaching 30MPa in two hours and increasing up to 50MPa after 1 day. The end product of the cement was an amorphous magnesium sodium phosphate. The cement showed high adhesion and a sealant character. Moreover, it induced a pH increase in the surrounding media, with a value higher than 9.5 after 15h, and reaching a stable pH of 11 after 48h.
Conclusion: A novel fast hardening cement was developed for endodontic applications with adhesive and antibacterial properties.