Dispersing Multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes in Heat-cured Dental Resin

Nanotechnology is a new science with several biomedical applications. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have been used to improve the physical properties of polymers. However, no reports have been published to date regarding its application in heat-cured dental resins. We tested the possibility to disperse MWCNT in both the liquid and the powder phase in order to improve the physical properties of heat-cured dental resins.

Methods,

Dispersion of the MWCNT was tested in heat-cured clear-shade Hygienic Denture Resin Type I, Class I (Coltène/Whaledent). The dispersion in the liquid phase was done in an ultrasonic bath. MWCNT were dispersed in the powder phase using a twin blade, medium speed shear mixer. We tested the method for three different final concentrations by weight of MWCNT in the dental resins: 0.1%, 0.25%, and 1% respectively.

Results,

It was possible to disperse the MWCNT in both the liquid and the powder phase. However, the dispersion of 1% MWCNT in the liquid phase resulted in a high viscosity product that can negatively influence the resin mixing. The 3 concentrations of MWCNT were efficiently dispersed in the powder phase.

Conclusions,

The 0.1% concentration of MWCNT appears to be the best option for dispersing MWCNT in the liquid phase of heat-cured dental resin; however, all three loadings of MWCNTs were successfully dispersed in the powder phase. The future research will need to test the physical properties of the cured resin with MWCNT. The study was funded by the Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de la República, Uruguay and the Center for Applied Energy Research, University of Kentucky, EEUU.