Measurement of water sorption by resin composite adhesives with near-infrared spectroscopy.

Spectroscopic methodology was used to follow the water uptake of disks of two resin composite luting agents during long-term storage. Fourier-transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy was used for collection of spectra over the 4200-6500 cm-1 spectral region. The 5200-cm-1 absorption band of water was monitored initially, at 24 h, seven days, two weeks, and then monthly over a period of 12 months. The disks were stored in water, air, and desiccated conditions. Disks were also subjected to two alternate cycles (two weeks each) of hydration and desiccation. A spectral manipulation program was used for quantitation of the area under the water absorbance band. Area ratios demonstrated similar water-uptake patterns for the two adhesives. Rapid water uptake was seen within the first two weeks of storage. Alternate hydration and desiccation of the samples showed that water uptake by the filler/polymer network was partially reversible. The desiccant was unable to remove all the water from the samples, which indicated that some water was tightly held within the sample matrix. FT-NIR spectroscopy is recommended as an effective method for study of the equilibration of resin composites in water.