Effect of silica nanospheres silanized by functional silanes on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA dental composite resin by photocuring synthesis

Abstract

This investigation focused on the contribution of various silane blends, used as coupling agents, to the ultimate performance of dental nanocomposite dimethacrylate photocurable resins. Initially, the surface of silica nanospheres was silanized with three different silane coupling agents: γ-MPS, APTES, and OTMS, with the grafting rate serving as the index. Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) verified the modification of nanosilica. Through orthogonal test experiments on the three silane coupling agents, the optimal modifier concentration, temperature, and time were determined. Subsequently, 15 wt% organomodified SiO2 nanospheres were incorporated into Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (70/30 by wt%) based resins via a photocuring process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) findings revealed a relatively vague interface between inorganic fillers and resins in the polymer composite, especially when reactive silanes like γ-MPS and their corresponding blends were used. The combination of SiO2 and γ-MPS functional silane blend provided the highest flexural properties and the lowest solubility after storing the nanocomposite in water for 1 week at 37 °C. With these methods, composite resins containing 15 wt% MPS-SiO2 nanospheres in a Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (70/30 by wt%) mixture exhibited the best comprehensive properties, making them a promising choice for achieving long-term durable restorations in clinical therapies.