Mechanical Properties of Chemical Treated Titanium-enriched Glass Ionomer Cement

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of addition of chemically treated Ti powder on mechanical properties and surface characteristics of conventional GIC.
Methods: Ti powder was treated with 1) a mix of 66.3% sulfuric acid, 10.6% hydrochloric acid and heated at 600 degrees Celsius (MAH-Mixed acid and heat treatment), 2) 1.5% hydrofluoric acid for 12min (HA-Hydrofluoric acid treatment). Powder of GIC (FIX-GC Fuji IX GP™ EXTRA, GC, USA) was mixed with each of treated Ti powder at 1%, 1.5% and 3%, with average particle sizes of 20-40µm and <20µm, in a vortex for 1min. Experimental powders were mixed with liquid of GIC at manufacturer’s directions. Control groups used GIC without Ti powder. Samples for Flexural Strength test (FS-2mm x 2mm x 25mm) were fabricated and coated with vaseline, stored in distilled water at 37 degrees Celsius, and tested after 24 hours@1.0mm/min. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). For Ti powder surface characterization, the samples were observed by SEM.
Results: For FS, all groups in all concentrations were statistically similar to control (p>0.05). In general, HA resulted in higher values. SEM observation featured Ti particle surfaces with different roughness depending on the treatments (Fig. 1-3).
Conclusions: Addition of Ti powder did not negatively affect the flexural strength of GIC. Chemical treatments caused detectable differences on the surface morphology of Ti particles.