Factors of glass-ionomer cements influencing the bond strength to resin composites.

The bond strength between composites and various particle sizes of glass-ionomer cements was investigated. The best bond strength was obtained after use of a small-particle cement and with the highest powder-to-liquid ratio employed for mixing the cement. In addition, use of a small-particle cement and the highest powder:liquid ratio produced cements with significantly stronger tensile strengths. Failure usually occurred within the cement. Consequently, the recorded bond strength actually reflected the tensile strength of the relevant cement.