High modulus nanopowder reinforced dimethacrylate matrix composites for dental cement applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Development of advanced resin composites for dental applications.
• Need for high stiffness materials in all-ceramic restorations and prosthodontics.
• Limitations of current resin composites in load-bearing dental structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present results from a novel, high modulus nanopowder-filled resin composite.
• To evaluate the composite's potential as a high stiffness support for all-ceramic crowns.
• To assess its utility in joining independently fabricated crown core and veneer layers.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of nanosized Al(2)O(3) (47 nm average particle size) into two resin systems: ALBT (bis-GMA:TEGDMA) and ALT (pure TEGDMA).
• Use of surfactant to achieve higher filler loading levels, up to 80 wt % Al(2)O(3).
• Characterization of mechanical properties, including elastic modulus and hardness, at varying filler concentrations.

Main Results:

• Elastic modulus increased significantly with Al(2)O(3) loading: ALBT from 4.6 GPa to 29.2 GPa, ALT from 3.0 GPa to 22.9 GPa (at 80 wt % filler).
• Hardness also increased substantially: ALBT from 200 MPa to 949 MPa, ALT from 93 MPa to 760 MPa (at 80 wt % filler).
• Demonstrated feasibility of achieving high elastic modulus resin-based composite cements with monodispersed, high modulus nanopowder fillers.

Conclusions:

• Nanosized Al(2)O(3) reinforcement effectively enhances the stiffness and hardness of resin composites.
• The developed composite shows potential for use in demanding dental applications requiring high mechanical integrity.
• High filler loading levels are achievable and beneficial for composite properties, enabling advanced dental restorative solutions.