Influence of Incorporating Fluoroapatite Nanobioceramic on the Compressive Strength and Bioactivity of Glass Ionomer Cement

Statement of Problem: In order to increase the performance of glass ionomer cement, it is reinforced with metal powders, short fibers, bioceramics and other materials. Fluoroapatite (Ca10 (PO4 )6 F2 ) is found in dental enamel and is usually used in dental materials due to its good chemical and physical properties.Objectives: In this study, the effects of the addition of synthesized fluoroapatite nanoceramic on the compressive strength and bioactivity of glass ionomer cement were investigated.Materials and Methods: The synthesized fluoroapatite nanoceramic particles (~  70  nm)  were  incorporated  into  as-prepared  glass  ionomer  powder  and were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the compressive strength values of the modified glass ionomer cements with 0, 1, 3 and 5 wt% of fluoroapatite were evaluated.Results:  Results  showed  that  glass  ionomer  cement  containing  3  wt%fluoroapatite nanoparticles exhibited the highest compressive strength (102.6± 4) compared to the other groups, including control group. Furthermore, FTIR and SEM investigations indicated that after soaking the glass ionomer cement- 3 wt% fluoroapatite composite in the simulated body fluid solution, the intensity of O-H, P-O and C-O absorption bands increased as a result of the formation of apatite layer on the surface of the sample, and the rather flat and homogeneous surface of the cement became more porous and inhomogeneous.Conclusions: Addition of synthesized nano-fluoroapatite to as-prepared glass ionomer cement enhanced the compressive strength as well as nucleation of the calcium phosphate layer on the surface of the composite. This makes it a good candidate for dentistry and orthopedic applications.Key words: Fluoroapatite, Nanoparticle, Glass Ionomer Cement, Simulated Body Fluid