The effect of titanium oxide microparticles on mechanical properties, absorption and solubility processes of a glass ionomer cement

Abstract

Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) is one of the important dental temporary filing materials. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of adding 3, 5 and 7 wt. % of TiO₂ microparticles to conventional GIC powder (Riva Self Cure) on mechanical properties and its effect on absorption and solubility processes. TiO₂ particles additives improved compressive strength and biaxial flexural strength, where the compressive strength increased with increasing in the added ratio, while the highest value of the biaxial flexural strength was at 3 wt.%. The addition of TiO₂ particles improved the surface Vickers microhardness values, with highest value at 5 wt. %. On other hand TiO₂ addition improves the wear resistance as additives increased. The most acidic beverages (the lowest pH value) were the most effective in increasing the absorption and solubility percentage of samples. Orange juice was more effective followed by cola and then coffee and tea were less effective. Finally, its recommended that patients should reduce drinking these acidic beverages because its harmful effect on dental fillings.