MODIFICATION OF GLASS IONOMER CEMENT COMBINED WITH NATURAL NANOSILICA FROM SLOPENG-BEACH SAND TO OPTIMIZE THE MECHANICAL STRENGTH

Abstract

Background: Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) is a restorative material capable of releasing fluoride to protect teeth against the activity of cariogenic bacteria. The use of GIC in restorations has the drawback of low mechanical strength; therefore, material modification is required to optimize its mechanical properties by improving compressive strength, flexural strength, and microhardness, and SEM analysis. Purpose: This study aims to compare the mechanical strength of GIC, GIC combined with synthetic nano-silica, and GIC combined with natural nano-silica from Slopeng Beach sand. Methods: This study comprised 12 groups, each containing 7 samples. The minimum total number of samples required is 84, comprising 28 GIC samples, 28 GIC samples combined with synthetic nano-silica, and 28 GIC samples combined with natural nano-silica from Slopeng Beach sand. Each group will undergo compressive strength, flexural strength, microhardness, and SEM testing.  Results: Compressive Strength Test: K 37.09 ± 16.41 MPa, P1 63.59 ± 12.78 MPa, and P2 51.85 ± 18.38 MPa; Flexural Strength Test: K 23.67 ± 12.88 MPa, P1 34.15 ± 10.42 MPa, and P2 25.47 ± 11.03 MPa; Microhardness Test: K 377.257 ± 69.1203 HV, P1 379.263 ± 60.3404 HV, and P2 384.467 ± 112.4236 HV; SEM results showed that group P1 had a more homogeneous surface morphology with fewer and smaller cracks compared to group P2 and the control (K). Conclusion: GIC combined with nano-silica from Slopeng Beach sand exhibits superior mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, microhardness, and SEM analysis) compared to GIC combined with synthetic nano-silica.