Impact of graphene incorporation on the mechanical and optical properties of glass ionomer cements

Abstract

Introduction  Failures in orthodontic treatments using bands may be related to deficient properties of GICs. Incorporating graphene into GICs for cementation is an option to improve this material and reduce failures.

Aim  The purpose is to evaluate the effect of adding reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the mechanical and optical properties of glass ionomer cements (GICs) for luting.

Methods  Samples of 6 different GICs (Meron, GC Gold Label, GC Fuji Plus, Riva Luting, Vitro Cem, and Vidrion) with and without graphene incorporation at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% were prepared. Cohesive strength (CoheS), compressive strength (CompS) and Shear Bond Strength (SBS) tests were conducted using a universal testing machine (EMIC). Color change was assessed using the CIELAB system and particle dispersion was observed with Optical Microscopy (OM). Data was tabulated and analyzed with Jamovi software (p<0.05) using descriptive and correlation analyses with One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests, based on the Shapiro-Wilk normality test.

Results  The incorporation of rGO significantly increased the compressive strength of Vidrion (0.5%) and the cohesive strength of GC Gold Label and GC Fuji Plus, although it caused perceptible chromatic changes in all tested cements.

Conclusion  The addition of rGO to GICs enhanced the mechanical properties of some GICs and altered the color of all GICs.

Keywords
Glass ionomer cements; Graphene oxide; Graphite; Nanostructures