Impedance changes during setting of amorphous calcium phosphate composites

- Electrical properties of remineralizing composite materials were investigated.
- Polymerization kinetics were assessed by changes in electrical resistivity.
- Resistivity values correlated well with degree of conversion.
- Polymerization reaction rate was affected by light transmittance.
- Electrical resistivity was affected by water content introduced by filler particles.

ObjectivesTo investigate the electrical properties of experimental light-curable composite materials based on amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) with the admixture of silanized barium glass and silica fillers.MethodsShort-term setting was investigated by impedance measurements at a frequency of 1 kHz, while for the long-term setting the impedance spectra were measured consecutively over a frequency range of 0.05 Hz to 1 MHz for 24 h. The analysis of electrical resistivity changes during curing allowed the extraction of relevant kinetic parameters. The impedance results were correlated to the degree of conversion assessed by Raman spectroscopy, water content determined by gravimetry, light transmittance measured by CCD spectrometer and microstructural features observed by scanning electron microscopy.ResultsACP-based composites have shown higher immediate degree of conversion and less post-cure polymerization than the control composites, but lower polymerization rate. The polymerization rate assessed by impedance measurements correlated well with the light transmittance. The differences in the electrical conductivity values observed among the materials were correlated to the amount of water introduced into composites by the ACP filler. High correlation was found between the degree of conversion and electrical resistivity. Equivalent circuit modeling revealed two electrical contributions for the ACP-based composites and a single contribution for the control composites.SignificanceThe impedance spectroscopy has proven a valuable method for gaining insight into various features of ACP-based composites. Better understanding of the properties of ACP-based composites should further the development of these promising bioactive materials.