nerb: dental materials physical properties

adhesion

chemical attraction between UNLIKE molecules

cohesion

chemical attraction between LIKE molehules

coefficient of thermal expansion

an index which indicates how one material reacts to temperature extremes in relation to another

compressive strength

the force at which a material BREAKS under pressure

creep

slow dimensional change caused by compression

ductility

the ability to undergo change of form WITHOUT breaking

elasticity

materials ability to RECOVER its initial shape after undergoing a force

galvanism

an electrical current generated by dissimilar metals in an ACIDIC environment

gelation

the process of gelling (solidification by cold)

imbibititon

ABSORPTION of a solvent by a gel (imBibition, aBsorption)

malleability

a materials capacity to be shaped by a force or pressure

microleakage (percolation)

passage of oral fluids/bacteria into and out of tooth structure due to a marginal gap or failure of marginal (restorative) seal

polymerization

the linking, branching, or cross linking of smaller molecules to generate a LARGER molecule, as seen with composite bonding and impression setting

proportional limit

the force at which a material CAN NOT return to its original shape

syneresis

contraction of a gel due to the LOSS OF A SOLVENT

tensile strength

the force needed to STRETCH a material to the point of fracture

viscosity

resistance to flow (thickness)