Abstract
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.