The Influence of Nano-Silica on the Wear Resistance of Ceramic – Polymer Composites Intended for Dental Fillings

Abstract

Ceramic – polymer composites based on acrylic (bis–GMA) and urethane – methacrylate (UM) resins with a 60 % total volume fraction of filler consisting of micro particles of glass and nano-particles of silica were fabricated. The nano-silica contents were: 0, 10, 20 vol. %. The composite samples were subjected to wear tests using an occlusion simulator tester which applies reciprocating movement and cyclic loading on the test material. This method of testing provides some similarity to the masticatory pattern occurring in the mouth during eating. The enamel of a human tooth was used as a counter-sample. The coefficient of friction was determined and the wear resistance of the composite samples containing the various nano-silica contents was established. In addition, the relative influence of the composite composition on the rate of wear of the human tooth enamel was estimated. The results of the study indicate that the addition of nano-silica significantly improves the wear resistance of the ceramic – polymer composites and reduces the wear of enamel. It was found that the addition of nano-silica has no influence on the coefficient of friction. It was also established that composites based on UM resin show better wear resistance than those based on a mixture of bis-GMA and TEGDMA resin.