Knoop Hardness Research Articles

Mechanical Properties of Experimental Composites with Different Photoinitiator.

Objective The effect of different photoinitiators on mechanical properties of experimental composites was evaluated. Materials and Methods Resin composites were formulated by using a blend of bisphenol A-glycidyl and triethylene glycol (50/50 wt%) dimethacrylate monomers, and 65 wt% of barium aluminium silicate and silica filler particles. Photoinitiators used were 0.2% camphorquinone (CQ) and 0.8% co-initiator (DMAEMA); 0.2% phenyl-propanedione and 0.8% DMAEMA; 0.1% CQ + 0.1% phenyl propanedione and 0.8% DMAEMA; 0.42% mono(acyl)phosphine oxide (MAPO); and 0.5% bis(acyl)phosphine oxide (BAPO). Specimens ( n = 10) were light cured by using a multiple-emission peak light-emitting diode for 20 seconds at 1,200 mW/cm 2 of irradiance and Knoop hardness and plasticization, depth of cure, flexural strength, and elastic modulus were evaluated. Data were statiscally analyzed at significance level of α = 5%. Results Experimental composites containing MAPO and BAPO photoinitiators showed the highest values of flexural strength, elastic modulus, top surface hardness, and lower hardness reduction caused by alcohol compared with CQ. Composites containing CQ and PPD showed similar results, except for depth of cure and hardness of bottom surface. Conclusion BAPO and MAPO showed higher flexural strength, elastic modulus, hardness on top surface, and lower polymer plasticization to CQ.

Hardness of as-synthesized cubic boron nitride (111) bulk single crystals

The cubic boron nitride is the second most important superhard materials. To date, the effect of crystallographic anisotropy of the {111} plane on the Knoop microhardness of cubic boron nitride single crystals has not been experimentally obtained. Herein, we measure the detailed Knoop hardness and Vickers hardness for the {111} plane of the amber cubic boron nitride. We find that the crystal orientation dependence of Knoop hardness for amber samples is remarkable and has an obvious regular pattern. The Knoop hardness for amber samples shows a minima about 5° from ⟨110⟩ directions, which is different from the traditional viewpoint that the minimum hardness is on ⟨110⟩ directions. Raman spectra of cubic boron nitrides are measured and help us to explain the hardening of samples.

Flexural properties and wear behavior of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing resin blocks.

This study investigates the flexural properties, Knoop hardness number (KHN), and wear behavior of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin blocks and compares these values with those of conventional resin composites for direct restoration (RCDs). Four CAD/CAM resin blocks and two RCDs are compared. Ten specimens per material are used to obtain the flexural properties according to ISO 6872 specifications, and five specimens per material are used for KHN measurement. For sliding impact wear testing, twelve specimens are prepared. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM) is used to determine maximum facet depth and volume loss. Polished material surfaces and worn surfaces after wear testing are observed using scanning electron microscopy and LSM. While measured flexural properties and KHN are found to be material-dependent, CAD/CAM resin blocks exhibit higher wear resistance than RCDs. CAD/CAM resin blocks polymerized at high-pressure and high-temperature are found to exhibit wear behaviors far superior to those of RCDs.

Multimodal particle size distribution by mixing nanopowders for full densification of spark plasma sintered SiC ceramics

Highly pure free of additives fully dense SiC ceramics (>99 % theoretical density) were manufactured by Spark Plasma Sintering. The mixing of two initial nanopowders, exhibiting different average particle sizes, was favorable for densification, thanks to wider particle size distribution and modification of the powder rheological behavior. Furthermore, this mixing step lessened the cohesive and electrostatic behaviors of the initial powders, making it possible to reach densities higher than 99 % of the theoretical density, without exaggerated grain growth. In addition to promoting the densification, the mixing step enabled easier handling, facilitating the die filling process, and enhanced their compaction ability. Finally, fully dense SiC ceramics were obtained at 2100 °C without any dwell time. The produced ceramics exhibited an average Knoop hardness of 24 GPa (HK1), which is similar to the Hexoloy® SA reference. Notably, the Young's Modulus was slightly higher at 429 GPa versus the 404 GPa of the reference.

Preparation, structural and mechanical characterization of ceria-added phosphate glasses

Phosphate glasses composed of P2O5-Nb2O5-BaO-Na2O-CeO2 were successfully synthesized by melt-quenching method. The structural and mechanical characteristics of this glass system were thoroughly investigated. The niobium oxygen octahedra were formed in the glass matrix, and played as the glass former to build the glass network together with the phosphorus oxygen tetrahedra. The cerium acted as a glass modifier, but it had a densification effect on the structure of this glass system. For the glass with 1 mol% ceria, the densest structure was realized. Also with the same addition, the microscopic Vickers hardness, Knoop hardness, and flexural strength also reached the highest points of 481.8 MPa, 436.7 MPa, and 64.5 MPa, respectively. The values of fracture toughness were all above 1.09 MPa•m0.5. In general, this system of phosphate glass with 1 mol% ceria can be considered as a promising candidate for the development of various other optical, electrical, and mechanical devices.

Handling properties and surface characteristics of universal resin composites

This study investigated the handling and surface characteristics of universal resin composites and determined the interrelations among the composites' handling, mechanical, and physical properties. Five recently introduced universal resin composites were tested. Twelve specimens per material were used to measure the stiffness and stickiness (handling properties) of the resin composite pastes. Additionally, surface properties (Knoop hardness number [KHN], surface roughness [Sa], surface gloss [SG], water contact angle [CA], and surface free energy [SFE]) of cured resin composites were determined in 12 specimens per material immediately after preparation (baseline) and after subjection to thermal cycles (TCs). Handling and surface properties of the resin composites were material dependent. All the resin composites showed significantly lower KHN in the post-TC subgroups than that in the baseline subgroups. However, the influence of TC on the other surface properties was dependent on the material used. Some resin composites did not indicate any significant differences in Sa, SG, or CA between the baseline and post-TC groups. Although the resin composites in the baseline groups presented with different handling and surface properties, the surface properties of most of the composites were significantly affected by TC. Extremely strong positive or negative correlations were observed between stiffness and stickiness, KHN and Sa, KHN and SG, Sa and SG, and CA and SFE. Most correlations between the handling and surface properties were weak. Therefore, the selection of resin composites in clinical situations should be based on comprehensive consideration of their properties.

Evaluation of surface hardness and curing depth of two different light curing composite resins system: An in vitro study

This in-vitro study was done to compare the effect of LED light curing system on polymerization and hardness of two composite resins system. A Total of 40 samples, 20 samples prepared using silorane based – Filtek LS and 20 samples prepared using methacrylate based- Filtek Z350 XT in a plastic molds with diameter of 8 mm and thickness of 3 mm and cured with LED curing light. knoop hardness testing was done using a 50grams load and a dwell time of 15sec and percentage depth of cure is calculated and statistical analysis was performed using Student t- test. Results showed that silorane based composite was found to have better hardness n depth of cure than methacrylate based composite. Top surface have better hardness than bottom surface.

Effect of induction heating on Vickers and Knoop hardness of 1045 steel heat treated

AISI 1045 steel is a steel of medium carbon, widely used in machinery, the automotive industry, and the food industry, among others. Therefore, to fulfill its purpose, it is necessary to improve its mechanical resistance, wear resistance and resistance to fatigue through different surface heat treatments. Variables such as heating time and hence speed affect the thickness of the hardened layer and the microstructural characteristics of the area affected by heat treatment. The inspection of the transformation of phases during the treatment and the thickness of the boundary layer is generated by determining the hardness of the material, whose procedure is subject to the ASTM E92-17 and E384-17standards, which establish the methodology to be followed. Therefore, the objective of this work is to quantify the effect of three heating times at 1123 K on the hardening of AISI 1045 steel and the regularity of the hardened layer to ensure its functionality as a component subjected to friction, in addition to developing a table of equivalences between the Knoop (HK), Vickers (HK) and Rockwell C (HRC) hardness scales.

Hardness Development in Resin Composite Core Materials.

To investigate the hardness characteristics of 13 contemporary resin core materials. Specimens (n = 12) were fabricated using stainless steel molds with top surfaces of dual-cure products photopolymerized while additional groups were allowed to self-cure. Twelve Knoop hardness indentations 500 microns apart were obtained of photopolymerized top and bottom sample surfaces as well as the self-cured sample surface with the mean recorded as the representative sample hardness. Testing was completed at 10 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours. In addition, hardness values were compared to that obtained from polished coronal dentin samples. Mean data between groups were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's, within groups with repeated measures ANOVA/Tukey's. Hardness results were material dependent. All but two products demonstrated a 0.8 bottom/top Knoop hardness ratio at 10 minutes. Product's self-cure cure reaction did not attain hardness similarity with any photopolymerized top surfaces and while some materials were found to have similar dentin hardness to resin top surface ratio similarity, only one product had hardness equal to or greater than that of dentin during any time period. Under this study's conditions, hardness development was material dependent and all but two products demonstrated adequate hardness-derived degree of cure assessment at 10 minutes after preparation. Self-cured samples demonstrated hardness increase; however, no self-cured material achieved hardness similarity to photopolymerized top surfaces. None of the materials achieved hardness similarity to dentin and only one product demonstrated hardness greater than that of dentin.

Simulating Knoop hardness anisotropy of aluminum and β-HMX with a crystal plasticity finite element model

We report a crystal plasticity finite element model for simulating the variation of the Knoop hardness number with indenter orientation, i.e., the hardness anisotropy. We propose a modification to the Voce hardening law to include the effects of slip on multiple systems on the hardening rate. The model is validated using single crystal aluminum in a two-step procedure: (a) calibration of the material model with single crystal tension experiments, and (b) prediction of the hardness anisotropy of the {001}, {011} and {021} planes. The predicted hardness anisotropy follows experimental trends very well for the {001} and {021} planes, while for the {011} plane there is a deviation of the predictions from experiments at higher angles of the indenter. The model is then used to simulate the hardness anisotropy of the (010), (011) and (110) planes of β-HMX measured by Gallagher et al. (2015). Due to the lack of single crystal data, we were unable to calibrate the model prior to simulating the hardness anisotropy. Hence, we assumed unknown variables to make predictions for comparison to experiments, including the set of active slip systems and the hardening and twinning behavior. From simulations of the indentation of the (010) plane with the set of slip systems from Barton et al (2009) we found that the hardness anisotropy is inversely proportional to the activity of the slip system (101)[01¯0], and to a lesser extent the twin system. Suppressing the (101)[01¯0] slip system improved the predictions, suggesting that the viable set of slip systems for β-HMX need not include it. The predicted twinning activity did not match well with the observations from Gallagher et al. (2015). Suppressing the twinning resulted in a better prediction of the hardness anisotropy. Due to the simplicity of the twinning part of the model we do not make definite conclusions related to twinning. We report predictions for the hardness anisotropy of the (011) and (110) planes of β-HMX using parameters that maximized agreement between simulations and experimental indentation of (010) plane. These predictions are in reasonable agreement with experiments. In addition, we report the predictions of the hardness anisotropy using the sets of slip systems proposed by Pal and Picu (2018) and Zhou et al. (2012), which both gave inferior agreement with experiments.

Fabrication and characterization of remineralizing dental composites containing calcium type pre-reacted glass-ionomer (PRG-Ca) fillers

ObjectiveTo fabricate and characterize dental composites with calcium type pre-reacted glass-ionomer (PRG-Ca) fillers. MethodsPRG-Ca fillers were prepared by the reaction of calcium fluoroaluminosilicate glass with polyacrylic acid. Seven dental composites were produced from the same organic matrix (70/30wt% Bis-GMA/TEGDMA), with partial replacement of barium borosilicate (BaBSi) fillers (60wt%) by PRG-Ca fillers (wt%): E0 (0) – control, E1 (10), E2 (20), E3 (30), E4 (40), E5 (50) and E6 (60). Enamel remineralization was evaluated in caries-like enamel lesions induced by S. mutans biofilm using micro-CT. The following properties were characterized: degree of conversion (DC%), roughness (Ra), Knoop hardness (KHN), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), water sorption (Wsp), water solubility (Wsl), and translucency (TP). Data were analyzed to one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test (α=0.05). ResultsAll composites with PRG-Ca induced enamel remineralization. E0 and E1 presented similar and highest DC% than E2=E3=E4=E5=E6. Ra and KHN were not influenced by PRG-Ca fillers (p<0.05). The higher the content of PRG-Ca, the lower FS, FM and TP (p<0.05). Wsp increased linearly with the content of PRG-Ca fillers (p<0.05). E6 presented the highest Wsl (p<0.05), while the Wsl of the other composites were not different from each other (p>0.05). SignificanceIncorporation of 10–40wt.% of PRG-Ca fillers endowed remineralizing potential to dental composites without jeopardizing the overall behavior of their physicochemical properties. Dental composites with PRG-Ca fillers seems to be a good alternative for reinforcing the enamel against caries development.

Lamination and Its Impact on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Permian and Triassic Terrestrial Sandstones

The sandstones with a laminated structure are common building materials. Lamination is macroscopically expressed as colour and grain size variations observed both in the deposit and within individual beds; therefore, the properties of such sandstones are diverse depending on the spatial distribution of the binding mass and framework components. For the terrestrial sandstones of different genesis, four types of laminae have been distinguished based on petrographic studies. They have a siliceous binder or a mixed ferruginous–siliceous–argillaceous binder with different proportions of these components. In laminae of types I–III, the grain framework is built mainly of quartz grains, and in type IV, it is accompanied by numerous lithoclasts and feldspars. Knoop hardness and CERCHAR abrasivity were tested in each lamina variety, and the results were correlated with the equivalent quartz content and the longitudinal ultrasonic wave velocity measured perpendicular and parallel to the lamination. The proposed research methodology was not used in previous studies on terrestrial laminated sandstones. The results explain a strong dependence between mineral composition, structure of laminae, and technical parameters of rocks. The knowledge of this relationship facilitates the selection of rocks that meet the relevant technical requirements and helps to optimally manage the resources of sandstone deposits.

Ultrasonic measurement of dentin remineralization effects of dentifrices and silver diamine fluoride

Objective This study investigated the dentin remineralization effect of the application of a functionalized tri-calcium phosphate (fTCP) dentifrice and a silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution. Material and methods The materials used were: a fluoride-containing dentifrice with fTCP (fTCP＋), a fluoride-containing dentifrice without fTCP (fTCP−) and a 38% SDF solution. Following treatment, the dentin slabs were immersed in a 0.1-M lactic acid buffer solution and then placed in artificial saliva. This procedure was repeated three times daily for 28 days. The propagation time of longitudinal ultrasonic velocities (UV) and the Knoop hardness (KH) of the samples were measured. The samples were also observed using scanning electron microscopy. Results The SDF and fTCP＋ groups showed higher UV than the fTCP − group regardless of the application method. The F-SDF group at 28 days showed significantly higher UV (4121 ± 102 m/s) than the F-fTCP + group (3731 ± 65 m/s) (p < .05). The F-SDF group at 28 days showed significantly higher KH (47.4 ± 2.2) than the F-fTCP＋ group (43.3 ± 1.0) and the F-fTCP − group (42.9 ± 2.1) (p < .05). Closure of the dentinal tubules and crystal precipitation was detected on the surface of the fTCP＋ group to a greater extent than the fTCP − group. Conclusions The fTCP-containing dentifrice and SDF solution effectively enhanced bovine dentin remineralization.

Effect of a chlorhexidine-encapsulated nanotube modified pit-and-fissure sealant on oral biofilm.

The purpose of this study was to characterize a chlorhexidine-encapsulated nanotube modified pit-and-fissure sealant for biofilm development prevention. HS (commercial control); HNT (HS+15wt%Halloysite®-clay-nanotube); CHX10% (HS+15wt% HNT-encapsulated with chlorhexidine 10%); and CHX20% (HS+15wt% HNT-encapsulated with CHX20%) were tested. Degree-of-conversion (DC%), Knoop hardness (KHN), and viscosity were analyzed. The ability of the sealant to wet the fissures was evaluated. Specimens were tested for zones of inhibition of microbial growth. S. mutans biofilm was tested by measuring recovered viability. Data were statistically analyzed (p<0.05). DC% was significantly higher for the HNT-CHX groups. For KHN, CHX10% presented a lower mean value than the other groups. Adding HNT resulted in higher viscosity values. The biofilm on CHX10% and CHX20% sealants presented remarkable CFU/mL reduction in comparison to the HS. The experimental material was able to reduce the biofilm development in S. mutans biofilm without compromising the sealant properties.

In Vitro Enamel Remineralization Efficacy of Calcium Silicate-Sodium Phosphate-Fluoride Salts versus NovaMin Bioactive Glass, Following Tooth Whitening.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of in-office bleaching on the enamel surface and the efficacy of calcium silicate-sodium phosphate-fluoride salt (CS) and NovaMin bioactive glass (NM) dentifrice in remineralizing bleached enamel. Materials and Methods Forty extracted premolars were sectioned mesio-distally, and the facial and lingual enamel were flattened and polished. The samples were equally divided into nonbleached and bleached with 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP). Each group was further divided according to the remineralization protocol ( n = 10); no remineralization treatment (nontreated), CS, or NM, applied for 3 minutes two times/day for 7 days, or CS combined with NR-5 boosting serum (CS+NR-5) applied for 3 minutes once/day for 3 days. The average Knoop hardness number (KHN) and surface roughness (utilizing atomic force microscopy) were measured. Surface topography/elemental analysis was analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analysis. All the tests were performed at baseline, after bleaching, and following each remineralization protocol. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc multiple comparison tests (α = 0.05). Results HP significantly reduced KHN and increased roughness ( p < 0.05). All remineralization materials increased the hardness and reduced the surface roughness after bleaching except NM, which demonstrated significantly increased roughness ( p < 0.05). Ca/P ratio decreased after bleaching ( p < 0.05 ), and following treatment, CS and CS+NR-5 exhibited higher remineralization capacity in comparison to NM ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Although none of the material tested was able to reverse the negative effect of high-concentration in-office HP on enamel completely, the remineralization efficacy of CS and CS+NR-5 was superior to that of NM.

Physicomechanical, optical, and antifungal properties of polymethyl methacrylate modified with metal methacrylate monomers

Statement of problemThe high recurrence rates of denture stomatitis may be associated with the resistance of biofilms to therapeutics. Therefore, methods that provide biomaterials with antifungal properties are an attractive solution to improving microbial control. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to modify conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) through the incorporation of metal methacrylate monomers and to evaluate the physicomechanical and optical properties and antifungal activity of the modified materials. Material and methodsExperimental denture base acrylic resins were fabricated through the addition of zirconium methacrylate (ZM), tin methacrylate (TM), and di-n-butyldimethacrylate-tin (DNBMT) to the liquid of a commercially available denture base PMMA resin. Unmodified PMMA resin was used as the control. The degree of conversion of the materials was tested through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (n=3). A digital spectrophotometer was used to assess the color change of the modified materials (n=8). Differences in Knoop hardness and roughness between experimental groups were also evaluated (n=8). A biofilm accumulation test with Candida albicans (ATCC 62342) (n=4) was performed for 5 days in Sabouraud broth culture supplemented with 10% sucrose. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05). ResultsThe degree of conversion and color-change values of the experimental materials were statistically similar to those of the control (P=.593). The incorporation of DNBMT significantly increased the hardness of the modified material (P=.014). The ZM, TM, and DNBMT groups had higher antifungal activity against C. albicans (P=.001) and lower roughness than the control group (control 0.65 ±0.05 μm; ZM 0.34 ±0.09 μm, TM 0.34 ±0.11 μm, and DNBMT 0.41 ±0.08 μm). ConclusionsThe metal-containing methacrylate monomers provided antifungal action to the modified materials without affecting the physicomechanical or optical properties of the denture base resin. ZM, TM, and DNBMT are potential reactive agents for the fabrication of PMMA denture base resins with antifungal properties.

Surface properties of resin-modified glass-ionomers subjected to in-office bleaching agents

This study examined the influence of two in-office bleaching on surface roughness, topography and microhardness of RMGIs. Disc-shape samples of RMGIs (Ketac N100, Fuji II LC-Capsule, and Photac Fil Quick Aplicap) were prepared and polymerized by a LED light curing unit. Polished samples, were subjected to in-office bleaching agents, Opalescence Xtra Boost (OXB) and Pola Office (PO), for 3 consecutive applications of 15 min each. The surface roughness parameters (R a and R max, μm) and Knoop hardness number (KHN, kg/mm2) were measured using contact profilometer and microhardness tester, respectively. The surface topography of the bleached surfaces was evaluated by SEM. Two-way ANOVA demonstrated high significant differences between the KHN, R a and R max values among the RMGIs and the bleaching agents evaluated as well as their interactions (p < 0.05). Pearson’s correlation indicated mainly no significant correlation between KHN and R a surface finish at each in-office agent for each RMGI (p > 0.05). Low R a (0.193 µm) and high KHN (49.34) values were presented in N100, whereas high R a (0.916 µm) and low KHN (31.54) were found in PFQ and FII, respectively, after bleaching with OXB. Surface properties are affected by the differences in material’s composition, mainly fillers, and type of bleaching agent. High concentration of hydrogen peroxide from bleaching agent and type of RMGIs can influence the chemical softening of these restorations and their clinical durability.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Resins Blends Containing a Monomethacrylate with Low-polymerization Shrinkage.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the Knoop hardness (KH), cross-link density (CLD), water sorption (WS), water solubility (WSB), and volumetric shrinkage (VS) of experimental resins blends containing a monomethacrylate with low-polymerization shrinkage. Materials and Methods A blend of bisphenol glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) as base monomer was formulated with (Bis-GMA)/triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), Bis-GMA/isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA), or Bis-GMA/TEGDMA/IBOMA in different concentrations (40, 50, or 60 wt%). The camphorquinone (CQ)/2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was used as the photoinitiator system. The KH and CLD were measured at the top surface using an indenter. For WS and WSB, the volume of the samples was calculated in mm 3 . The samples were transferred to desiccators until a constant mass was obtained (m1) and were subsequently immersed in distilled water until no alteration in mass was detected (m2). The samples were reconditioned to constant mass in desiccators (m3). WS and WSB were determined using the equations m2 − m3/V and m1 − m3/V, respectively. VS results were calculated with the density parameters before and after curing. Statistical Analysis Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results The resins containing IBOMA showed lower VS results. TEGDMA 40% and TEGDMA/IBOMA 20/20 wt% showed higher KH values. The IBOMA groups showed lower CLD, while TEGDMA groups had higher values of CLD. The BisGMA/TEGDMA resin presented the highest values of WS, and for WSB, all groups showed no significant differences among themselves. Conclusion The monomethacrylate with low-polymerization shrinkage IBOMA used alone or in combination with TEGDMA may decrease VS, WS, and CLD values.

Synthesis of a chitosan nanoparticle suspension and its protective effects against enamel demineralization after an in vitro cariogenic challenge.

Objective Our study aims to synthesize, characterize, and determine the effects of a ChNPs suspension on human enamel after cariogenic challenge via pH-cycling.Methodology ChNPs were synthesized by ion gelation and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering. Forty enamel blocks were divided into four groups (n=10/group): (i) ChNPs suspension; (ii) chitosan solution; (iii) 0.05% sodium fluoride (NaF) solution; and (iv) distilled water. Specimens were exposed to cariogenic challenge by cycling in demineralization solution (3 h) and then remineralized (21h) for 7 days. Before each demineralization cycle, the corresponding solutions were passively applied for 90 s. After 7 days, specimens were examined for surface roughness (Ra) and Knoop hardness (KHN) before and after the cariogenic challenge; % KHN change (variation between initial and final hardness), and surface topography by an optical profilometer. The data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA, One-way ANOVA, and Tukey tests (α=0.05).Results TEM images showed small spherical particles with diameter and zeta potential values of 79.3 nm and +47.9 mV, respectively. After the challenge, all groups showed an increase in Ra and a decrease in KHN values. Optical profilometry indicated that ChNPs- and NaF-treated specimens showed uneven roughness interspersed with smooth areas and the lowest %KHN values.Conclusion The ChNPs suspension was successfully synthesized and minimized human enamel demineralization after a cariogenic challenge, showing an interesting potential for use as an oral formulation for caries prevention.

Influence of polymerization methods and priming agents on the bond strength between resin luting agents and gold alloy.

To evaluate the influence of polymerization methods and a metal priming agent on the bond strength between gold alloy for metal ceramic restorations and dual-cure-type resin luting agents, and on the strength and hardness of the luting agents. A total of 154 disks cast by a gold alloy were treated with or without a metal priming agent. One of the three luting agents was applied on the disk. The luting agent was either chemically or dual-polymerized. The shear bond strength was measured both before and after thermocycling. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation, flexural strength test, and Knoop hardness test were performed. Significant differences among the luting agents were observed in terms of bond strength and flexural strength. Significant differences between chemically and dual-polymerized luting agents were observed regarding shear bond strength, flexural strength, and Knoop hardness before thermocycling. The application of the priming agent was effective only for a luting agent. Both bond strength and flexural strength differed among three luting agents. The effect of the priming agent on bond strength differed among the luting agents. Both the bond and flexural strength of a chemically polymerized luting agent differed before or after thermocycling.