Chemical and physical properties of radiopaque Portland cement formulation with reduced particle size

This study compared the chemical and physical properties of an experimental radiopaque white Portland cement (REPC) with reduced particle size to ProRoot white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA). The particle size distribution of experimental Portland cement (EPC) was examined, and then nano-zirconium oxide (nano-ZrO) was added to produce REPC. Chemical analysis, initial setting time, pH values, and push-out bond strength were evaluated. Results showed that REPC had smallest particle size (354.5±26.45 nm), while PC had the largest (1,309.67±60.54 nm) (p<0.05). Differences in chemical composition were observed. REPC exhibited shorter setting time (32.7±0.58 min) compared to WMTA (131.67±2.89 min) and PC (163.33±2.89 min) (p<0.05). All groups showed alkaline pH (p<0.05). REPC demonstrated the highest push-out bond strength (22.24±4.33 MPa) compared with WMTA (15.53±3.26 MPa) and PC (16.8±5.43 MPa) (p<0.05). This cost-effective PC formulation reduced the setting time and increased the push-out bond strength while maintaining the alkaline properties of the original cements.