Journal of Dental Materials and Techniques (Jun 2022)

Effects of Adding TiO2 Nanoparticles on Flexural Strength and Hardness of Two New Commercial Flowable Dental Composites

  • Fatemeh Koohpeima,
  • Mohammad Javad Mokhtari,
  • Sajjad Khaksabz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22038/jdmt.2022.57868.1444
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 2
pp. 68 – 74

Abstract

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Introduction The present study aimed to investigate the effect of adding TiO2 nanoparticles on the flexural strength and hardness of two dental composites. Methods: TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared and added to two flowable dental composites (Beautifil Flow Plus and Clearfil AP-X Flow) at 0, 0.2, 0.5, and 1% (w/w) which was confirmed by SEM and TEM analysis. Mixing was manually performed using Lentulo Spiral Paste Carrier. The specimens were divided into 8 groups of 10 according to the type of composites and different concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles. Bar-shaped specimens (2×2×25 mm) were fabricated in a half-split stainless steel mold and cured for 40 s by an LED curing system. Flexural strength was evaluated using a universal testing machine. Surface microhardness was also measured by the Vickers microhardness tester. Results: For the two tested composites, flexural strength increased by 0.5% TiO2 nanoparticles concentration. The flexural strength of Clearfil AP-X Flow combined with 0.2, 0.5 and 1% TiO2 nanoparticles were 112.54±12.87 (P>0.05), 114.62±8.14 (P>0.05), and 99.92±6.23 (P<0.05), respectively. Also, for Beautifil Flow combined with 0.2, 0.5 and 1% TiO2 nanoparticles were, 92.21±4.26 (P<0.05), 94.05±5.36 (P<0.05) and 74.17±9.43 (P<0.05), respectively. Conclusion: Adding TiO2 nanoparticles to Clearfil AP-X Flow composite decreased the hardness; however, adding TiO2 nanoparticles by 1% concentration increased the surface hardness of Beautifil Flow and reached its maximum value. Also, TiO2 nanoparticles at very low concentrations enhance the flexural strength of dental flowable composites.

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