ENHANCED MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CONVENTIONAL GLASS IONOMER CEMENT BY ADDING ZIRCONIUM NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

This study investigated the enhancement of the mechanical properties of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) through the incorporation of zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) nanoparticles to overcome its inherent limitations in strength and durability. ZrO₂ nanoparticles were added at concentrations of 4%, 6%, and 8% to evaluate their effects on tensile strength, hardness, and structural resilience. Advanced characterization techniques were employed to examine the modified materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis assessed crystalline structure and phase composition, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed elemental composition and nanoparticle dispersion, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified chemical interactions between ZrO₂ and the GIC matrix, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluated microstructural changes. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in mechanical properties following nanoparticle incorporation, with the 6% ZrO₂ concentration exhibiting the highest Young’s modulus during tensile testing. Enhanced stress tolerance and structural integrity suggested improved durability and potential longevity of dental restorations. Overall, the findings indicated that ZrO₂ nanoparticle reinforcement substantially improved GIC performance, highlighting the potential of nanotechnology in advancing restorative dental materials.