Studies on the setting behaviour of sealants using a new acoustic method of determining set.

An acoustic method has been used to compare the setting behaviours of three chemical and three u.v. activated sealants. The setting rates of the u.v. sealants were found to have similar sub-linear dependences on the applied u.v. intensity. However, considerable differences in the rates of set of these materials were noted when the same u.v. intensities were applied. Adjusting the composition of one of the sealants (Alphaseal) increased the penetration of the u.v. radiation, resulting in a ten-fold improvement in the setting rate. Suitable exposure times and the intensities of radiation necessary to satisfactorily set these u.v. sealants are recommended.