Assessing the effect of ceramic additives on the physical, rheological and mechanical properties of conventional glass ionomer luting cement – An in-vitro study

Abstract

AimTo evaluate the effect of the addition of conventional ceramics on the physical, rheological and mechanical properties of conventional glass ionomer luting cement. Materials and methods5%, 10%, 15% and 20% (w/w) of Enamel and Body conventional ceramic additives (E44 Enamel and B96/c4 Body) were reinforced in the two commercially available glass ionomer luting cement – GC Fuji I (GC Corporation Tokyo, Japan) and Ketac Cem Radiopaque (3M ESPE AG). Setting time, film thickness and compressive strength of the cement was measured according to the American Dental Association Specification number 96 for luting cement. Enthalpy change of the cement reaction was measured with the help of Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis. Compatibility between the sizes of powder particles was measured with the help of a particle size analyzer. Results5% of ceramic additive could not improve much of the compressive strength. Compressive strength increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the addition of 10% of ceramic additive, beyond which, there was a gradual decrease in strength. Although the setting time and film thickness were also shown to increase due to the additive, the former did not exceed the limit specified by the American Dental Association Specification number 96 (2–8 min for setting time and 25 microns for film thickness). ConclusionAddition of 10% of conventional ceramics resulted in a significant increase in the compressive strength of GIC Luting Cement without any significant compromise in its setting time. The substantial increase in film thickness is a major limitation. Use of ceramic additives with physical properties compatible with that of the glass ionomer cement may aid in increasing the compressive strength without compromising its setting time or film thickness.