Evaluation of Tribiomechanical Properties of Fluorinated Graphene-infused Atraumatic Restorative Glass Ionomer Cement

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to assess the tribiomechanical properties of atraumatic restorative therapy (ART) glass ionomer cement (GIC) infused with fluorinated graphene (FG). Design: Fluorinated graphene was synthesized via a hydrothermal process. Experimentally modified ART GICs were formulated by incorporating 4% by weight of FG into glass ionomer powder using a mechanical blending method. Microhardness, compressive and flexural strength (FS), wear resistance, fluoride ion release, and solubility were evaluated for two groups: group I (ART GIC) and group II (ART GIC + 4% by weight FG) using a Vickers microhardness (VMH) testing machine, universal testing machine, surface roughness measurement tool, and fluoride ion selective electrode linked to an expandable ion analyzer, respectively. Results: Statistical analysis employing an independent t-test revealed that all tested properties exhibited superior outcomes for FG-infused ART GIC in comparison to ART GIC alone. Conclusion: ART GIC reinforced with FG demonstrated enhanced mechanical and biological properties, showcasing its potential for dental applications. The findings of this study lay the groundwork for future research in minimal intervention dentistry (MID).

Keywords

• atraumatic restorative treatment
• pediatric dentistry
• primary tooth