Effect of forsterite nanoparticles on mechanical properties of glass ionomer cements

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of forsterite nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cements (GICs). So, forsterite nanoparticles were produced by a sol–gel process and added to the ceramic component of a commercial glass ionomer cement at 1–4 wt%. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis technique was used to characterize the phase composition and the grain size of forsterite nanoparticles. Compressive strength (CS), three-point flexural strength (FS), and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of the prepared glass ionomer-forsterite nanocomposites were measured. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the obtained results. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging technique was used to study the morphology of the fractured surface after performing the mechanical tests. XRD analysis confirmed the synthesis of pure nanocrystalline forsterite particles. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the results of mechanical properties of the control specimens and the glass ionomer-forsterite nanocomposites. The highest compressive strength, flexural strength and diametral tensile strength were obtained using 3, 1, and 1 wt% of forsterite nanoparticles, respectively. However, at 1 wt% forsterite nanoparticles, all three measures of strength exhibited a significant increase compared to the commercial GIC. Thus, addition of 1 wt% forsterite nanoparticles to the ceramic component of GIC is desired for dental restorations and orthopedic implants applications, where the maximum strength in all three modes of loading would be beneficial.