Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cements: IV. Microstructure and Hydrolysis

Abstract

The microstructure of zinc oxide-eugenol cement and the water-leached product was examined by electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Crystalline zinc eugenolate, which forms a reaction product, encases and binds unconsumed zinc oxide grains. Water leaching removes zinc eugenolate and leaves a voided structure bound by zinc hydroxide, which readily disintegrates.