The effect of film thickness on the bond strength of polycarboxylate cement.

This study examined the bond strength of polycarboxylate cement when used to cement gold alloy specimens to dentin. The film thickness was controlled and varied over a range of 10 to 150 microns. Tensile and shear bond strengths were measured and, contrary to anticipated results, there was an increase in bond strength as the film thickness increased. In this study, the bond strength of polycarboxylate cement as it relates to film thickness is evaluated in relationship to the clinically significant value of 50 microns over the thickness range of 150 microns.