Abstract
Potentiomeric titration of aqueous solutions of polyacrylic acid and commercial polyelectrolyte cement polymers with sodium hydroxide solution was carried out in the presence of different concentrations of Ca2+. Polyelectrolytes all behave as weak acids without the coexisting Ca2+. However, in the presence of Ca2+, in amounts over one-half of the equivalent amount to the carboxyl group in the polymer, they have a strong acid-like behavior. This means that the carboxyl groups in the polymer chain tend to react strongly with coexisting Ca2+ as they are partially neutralized by the alkaline solution. This is also strong evidence supporting polyelectrolyte cement as an adhesion mechanism to tooth structure during cementation.
