Laser-Raman Spectroscopic Study of the Adhesive Interface Between 4-MET/MMA-TBB Resin and Hydroxyapatite or Bovine Enamel

The possible chemical interaction between synthetic hydroxyapatite or bovine enamel and a functional monomer of 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitic acid (4-MET) diluted in methyl methacrylate (MMA) was examined by measuring the Raman spectra. It was concluded that the carboxyl group of 4-MET reacted with the calcium in the substrate to form a salt that was detected by the Raman band at around 1,380 cm-1. However, formation of the salt on the surface of the hydroxyapatite (HAP) with the carboxyl group, and polymerization of the 4-MET in the methacryl group near the surface were mutually exclusive reactions for the same 4-MET molecule.