Novel nano-hydroxyapatite-silica–added glass ionomer cement for dental application: Evaluation of surface roughness and sol-sorption

The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize nano-hydroxyapatite-silica (nano-HA-Si) particle, followed by the evaluation of surface roughness and sol-sorption property of conventional glass ionomer cement (cGIC) with the addition of nano-HA-Si. Nano-HA-Si was synthesized by one-pot sol–gel technique. It was then characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. Experimental nano-HA-Si–added GIC (nano-HA-Si-GIC) was prepared by adding 10% by weight ratio of nano-HA-Si to cGIC powder. The surface roughness of the samples was analyzed using tactile profilometer. Mass stabilization techniques were used to assess sol-sorption. The 10% nano-HA-Si-GIC samples were successfully fabricated. Nano-HA-Si-GIC reported lower surface roughness (0.13 ± 0.01 μm) as compared to cGIC (0.16 ± 0.03 μm). Nano-HA-Si-GIC reported an increase in sol-sorption when compared to cGIC. Incorporation of nano-HA-Si into the formulation of cGIC enhances their physical properties and with slight increase in sol-sorption property. Nano-HA-Si-GIC has the ability to enhance the characteristics of glass ionomer dental restorative materials. Hence, it can be suggested as a potential future restorative material in dentistry.