Impact of Adding Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles to Traditional Glass Ionomer Cements

Objectives: Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are used in dentistry for their biocompatibility, fluoride release, and chemical adherence to tooth structure. The incorporation of nanoparticles, specifically zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, is a promising strategy to improve GICs' mechanical qualities. ZnO nanoparticles have favourable properties such as high surface area to volume ratio, antimicrobial activity, and the ability to reinforce material matrices. The study aims to examine the impact of ZnO nanoparticles on the mechanical characteristics of traditional GICs, providing insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of boosting GICs via nanomaterial insertion.
Methods: Chemical precipitation was used to synthesis ZnO nanoparticles, which were then incorporated into GICs. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), contact angle measurements, and surface roughness tests were used to evaluate the modified GICs for the crystal structure, functional group, morphological and surface analysis respectively.
Results: XRD verified that the ZnO nanoparticles in the GIC matrix are crystalline with the JCPDS No.82-1042. Effective integration with Zn-O bonds was demonstrated by FTIR by peak at 701 cm-1. The contact angle measurements showed improved hydrophobicity, and the FE-SEM revealed well-defined nanoparticles with size between 100- 200 nm. Tests on surface roughness revealed that the modified GICs had a smoother surface with a value of Ra=1.66 μm.
Conclusions: ZnO-NP-modified GICs greatly enhance the surface and the mechanical properties of GICs including high flexural strength, providing better resistance to bending and fracture. The optimization of nanoparticle concentration, as well as improving the hydrophobicity and smoothness of ZnO-NP is seen.