Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is the most used retrograde filling cement in the endodontic area. Nevertheless, although its composition is similar to the conventional Portland cement, its high cost, long setting time and low mechanical strength have led to a continuous search for new alternative materials. Considering these aspects, the mechanical strength and crystalline phase evolution of calcium aluminate cement (CAC), during its hydration process, have been evaluated in this work aiming to apply such material for endodontic treatments. Secar 71 cement samples were prepared and kept in contact with water or SBF (simulated body fluid) for 15 days at 37 ºC. Compressive strength, apparent porosity, X ray diffraction and thermogravimetric tests were carried out for the samples evaluation after 1, 3, 7 and 15 days. The main identified phases were CAH10, C2AH8, C3AH6 and AH3. When in the presence of SBF, due to its delaying effect, some changes in the amount of the hydrates in the CAC samples were observed, which affected the mechanical behavior of the cement. Additionally, this study pointed out that the earliness or delaying formation of some phases can induce changes in the cement properties.
calcium aluminate cement (CAC); hydration; mechanical strength; endodontic
