Surface morphological and physical characterizations of glass ionomer cements after sterilization processes

The aim of this study was to investigate if sterilization methods would promote changes in the selected adhesion‐related surface properties of glass ionomer cements (GICs). Riva self‐cure (RSC) and Riva light‐cure (RLC) GICs were tested. Thirty samples were prepared according to the type of material (RSC and RLC) and sterilization method: hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP), steam sterilization (SS), and no sterilization (n = 5 per group). A Teflon matrix (5 × 2 mm) was filled with one of the GICs to produce the samples. For the groups with the RLC material, the samples were light cured using a light curing unit for 20 s. After 24 hr, finishing and polishing were performed in all samples and then they were sterilized. Surface roughness, wettability, and micromorphology were accessed using a profilometer, a goniometer, and a scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed through a two‐way ANOVA and Tukey post‐hoc test (p .05). HPGP decreased contact angle for RSC (p