Surface morphological and physical characterizations of glass ionomer cements after sterilization processes.

The aim of this study was to investigate if sterilization methods would promote changes in the selected adhesion-related surface properties of glass ionomer cements (GICs). Riva self-cure (RSC) and Riva light-cure (RLC) GICs were tested. Thirty samples were prepared according to the type of material (RSC and RLC) and sterilization method: hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP), steam sterilization (SS), and no sterilization (n = 5 per group).