New method of measuring water permeability of adhesive resin films.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To adapt a simple gravimetric method to measuring the permeability of adhesive resin films to liquid water, and to compare this to the water vapor permeability of the same resins. METHODS: Using commercially-available permeability cups designed for industrial permeability testing, the loss of mass of water vapor or liquid water from a stainless steel cup sealed with a resin film was measured over 1-2 days. The permeabilities of Parafilm (control), Clearfil SE Bond adhesive, Xeno IV and One-Up Bond F were compared. RESULTS: The lowest resin film permeability was obtained with Clearfil SE Bond adhesive films. The permeabilities ofXeno IV and One-Up Bond F to liquid water were 2.76 and 3.27-fold higher (P < 0.001) than that of Clearfil SE Bond adhesive. Liquid water permeability was always 2.8-3.8-fold higher (P < 0.05) than water vapor transmission rate. It was concluded that quantitative comparisons of the permeability properties of resin films can be made gravimetrically. The large permeability cups that are available commercially may be reduced in size in the future for measuring dentin adhesive films with smaller surface areas that are less liable to contain imperfections.