Effects of Carbon Nanotube Addition on the Mechanical Properties of Dental Glassionomer Cement

탄소나노튜브 첨가에 의한 치과용 글라스아이오노머 시멘트의 기계적 특성

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of multiwall carbon nanotube functionalized with carboxyl group (MWCNT-COOH) on the mechanical properties of dental glassionomer cement (GIC). MWCNT-COOH was prepared by the acid oxidative method. The MWCNT-COOH was incorporated into a commercial GIC powder or liquid at 0.5 wt% or 1.0 wt%. The net setting time of the cements was measured in accordance with ISO 9917 (Dental water-based cement). Specimens for compressive strength ($4mm{\varphi}{\times}6mm$), diametral tensile strength ($6mm{\varphi}{\times}4mm$) and flexure strength with modulus ($2mm{\times}2mm{\times}25mm$) were prepared by mixing with the cement liquid and kept in water bath of $(37{\pm}1)^{\circ}C$. Mechanical tests were conducted in 1 d, 7 d, and 14 days at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. Compressive strength of GIC mixed with 0.5 wt% MWCNT-COOH increased significantly at 7 d. However, overall mechanical properties of GIC modified with MWCNT were not significantly increased with a delayed setting time, in comparison with control cement. Overall results indicated that the MWCNT/GIC composite cements showed a limited strengthening effect for dental glassionomer cement.