Comparative analysis of solubility, pH, and composition of white and grey mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement

Abstract

Aim: the purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the chemical composition, pH and solubility of whi- te and gray mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement. Methodology: materials underwent atomic absorption spectroscopy to quantify their components. pH values were assessed with a pH-meter using a temperature-compensated electrode. Six samples of each material were used for the analysis of solubility. Samples were weighed and stored in distilled wa- ter at 37°C for 7 days and then weighed again. Results: the three materials showed the same chemical components, except bi- smuth oxide, which is not found in Por- tland cement. Statistical analysis of re- sults revealed significant differences in the relative proportion of components in each material. All samples had pH va- lues close to 12.0, and Portland cement had a pH result significantly less alka- line than the ones found for white and grey MTA samples. None of the mate- rials tested had significant solubility. Conclusions: - The materials studied had similar che- mical compositions, except for the pre- sence of bismuth oxide in white and grey MTA. - There were significant differences in the amount of components in the dif- ferent samples. - All samples had pH values close to 12 immediately after mixing; Portland ce- ment had significantly lower alkalinity than white or grey MTA. - There were no significant signs of so- lubility in the three materials tested.