Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Science - Department of Biophysics

Since its development by Torabinejad et al. (1993) as a root-end filling, the clinical applications of Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) have been expanded. However, it is difficult to use because of its properties of granular consistency, slow setting time, low compressive, and initial looseness. MTA is composed of Portland cement with the addition of bismuth oxide as a radiopacifying agent. Both substances present antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. Thus, studying function and setting reaction of components of Portland cement, as well as additives used to accelerate or improve its properties, may be beneficial in modifying problems of MTA. The biophysical properties of Portland cement hydrated with different concentrations of glycerin had been studied and the results indicated that the addition of glycerin accelerated the setting time and improved the physical, mechanical, optical, morphological, and thermal properties of Portland cement and did not affect its biocompatibility

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