Mechanical Behavior of Bioactive Glass and Hydroxyapatite Reinforced Compomers

Abstract

The changes in the mechanical behavior of compomers reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive glass (BAG) nanoparticles were investigated. The compomers reinforced with 4% HA showed the highest compressive strength values. 4% BAG and 1% HA addition to the compomers significantly decreased the elastic modulus of the material. The addition of 3% HA and 3% and 4% BAG particles enhanced the fracture toughness of the compomer restorative material. SEM images showed more voids on the fracture surface of the Bioactive glass groups than the hydroxyapatite groups. The increased proportion of BAG resulted in a decrease in compressive strength, flexural strength and elastic modulus of the compomer while, an increase in the fracture toughness of the material. Based on the results, higher hydroxyapatite content showed an increasing trend of mechanical behavior of compomer restorative materials.

Key words: bioactive glass; hydroxyapatite; compomer; mechanical properties.