Evaluation of properties of Glass Ionomer Cement reinforced with Zinc Oxide nanoparticles – An in vitro study

The purpose of the study was to compare the properties of Type IIa Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) reinforced with different concentrations of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. Conventional GIC was modified with ZnO nanoparticles at concentrations of 0, 1, 5, 10 and 15% by weight. Working Time (WT), Setting time (ST), Flexural strength (FS) and Shear strength (SS) were evaluated and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was done. The parameters of various groups did not show any significant difference from the control. Addition of ZnO nanoparticles to type IIa GIC led to a marginal increase in mechanical properties. Although the increase is not statistically significant, the additive did not adversely affect the mechanical and handling properties of conventional GIC.