Utilizing an Oxidized Biopolymer to Enhance the Bonding of Glass Ionomer Luting Cement Particles for Improved Physical and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the reinforcing effect of two weight ratios of Gum Arabic (GA) natural biopolymer, i.e., 0.5% and 1.0% in the powdered composition of glass ionomer luting cement. GA powder was oxidized and GA-reinforced GIC in 0.5 and 1.0 wt.% formulations were prepared in rectangular bars using two commercially available GIC luting materials (Medicem and Ketac Cem Radiopaque). The control groups of both materials were prepared as such. The effect of reinforcement was evaluated in terms of microhardness, flexural strength (FS), fracture toughness (FT), and tensile strength (TS). The internal porosity and water contact angle formation on the study samples were also evaluated. Film thickness was measured to gauge the effect of micron-sized GA powder in GA–GIC composite. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to analyze data for statistical significance (p < 0.05). The experimental groups of both materials containing 0.5 wt.% GA–GIC significantly improved FS, FT, and TS compared to their respective control groups. However, the microhardness significantly decreased in experimental groups of both cements compared to their respective control groups. The addition of GA powder did not cause a significant increase in film thickness and the water contact angle of both 0.5 and 1.0 wt.% GA–GIC formulations were less than 90o. Interestingly, the internal porosity of 0.5 wt.% GA–GIC formulations in both materials were observed less compared to their respective control groups. The significantly higher mechanical properties and low porosity in 0.5 wt.% GA–GIC formulations compared to their respective control group indicate that reinforcing GA powder with 0.5 wt.% in GIC might be promising in enhancing the mechanical properties of GIC luting materials.

Using Functionalized Micron-Sized Glass Fibres for the Synergistic Effect of Glass Ionomer on Luting Material

“…The GF at 0.5 wt.% might promote a more uniform distribution of particles and reduce the presence of voids or defects, leading to a more consistent and harder material. Decreased properties of 1.0 wt.% GF-GIC composites in both formulations might be attributed to a combination of factors related to fibre dispersion, interfacial bonding, matrix disruption, mechanical mismatch, and specimen variability [22,23].…”

“…Some GIC formulations might already contain additives or components that interact favourably with GF, leading to enhanced mechanical properties. On the other hand, certain compositions might have chemical interactions that interfere with the reinforcing effect of the fibres, resulting in decreased mechanical properties [3,23]. The chemical interactions at the interface between the fibres and the GIC matrix contributed to the improved mechanical properties.…”

Dentistry and Cranio Facial District: The Role of Biomimetics

“…Interestingly, the addition of GA did not significantly affect the film thickness or water contact angle of the GIC formulations, indicating that modifications enhanced mechanical properties without compromising handling characteristics [17][18][19]. This outcome implies that GA reinforcement significantly increases the performance and durability of the GICs and, therefore, will find utility in a wide range of applications in dentistry [16].…”

“…Alsunbul et al [16] explored the reinforcing effects of gum Arabic (GA) on glass ionomer cements (GICs). In this experiential work, it was demonstrated that the addition of 0.5 wt.% GA into the GIC remarkably increased the flexural strength, fracture toughness, and tensile strength, but reduced the internal porosity.…”

Surface, mechanical and chemical properties of modified denture resin using natural biopolymer

“…A recently published study showed that the binding affinity between GA and glass ionomer cement (GIC) is improved, thus enhancing the mechanical properties such as flexural strength, fracture toughness and tensile strength of the set GIC. 13 In another study, GA powder was successfully reinforced into GIC for enhanced hardness, diametral tensile strength and compressive strength. 14 …”