Mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement incorporating forsterite nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel method

This study aimed to fabricate a glass ionomer cement/forsterite nanocomposite to improve its mechanical properties for biomaterials applications. For this purpose, forsterite was synthesized using a sol-gel method. Then, for preparing the nanocomposite sample, 2, 4, and 6 wt% of the forsterite was added to a glass ionomer cement (GIC). Subsequently, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) analysis were used to characterize the synthesized forsterite. Furthermore, compressive strength, microhardness, and fracture toughness of the fabricated nanocomposite were evaluated and a fluoride-releasing test in artificial saliva was also applied to investigate the cytotoxicity feature of the prepared nanocomposites. The XRD results confirmed that nanocrystalline forsterite was successfully synthesized. Also, the results of FTIR analysis proved the existence of (SiO3H) groups on the forsterite surface. The highest concurrent enhancements of compressive strength, microhardness, and fracture toughness features were observed for GIC-2 wt% forsterite nanocomposite. In addition, results of the fluoride-releasing test showed that the amount of released fluoride from the prepared nanocomposite was slightly lower than the GIC. All in all, the improvements in mechanical properties, optimal fluoride-releasing, bioactive properties, and the prepared nanocomposite could introduce appropriate options for underload dental restorations and orthopedics implants.