Incorporating of Nano-Calcium Silicate into Kavitan Plus and its effect on the Surface Microhardness: In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Kavitan Plus is a conventional glass ionomer-based restorative material. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding silica dioxide (Ca₂SiO₄) nanoparticles at two concentrations, 5% and 10%, to Kavitan Plus on surface hardness using a Shore D surface hardness tester. Methods: Twenty-four samples were prepared and divided into three groups (8 per group): Group 1: control group; Group 2: 5% Ca₂SiO₄; Group 3: 10% Ca₂SiO₄. Surface hardness was measured, and the data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher's one-way analysis of variance (LSD)

Results:

Statistically significant differences were observed between all groups (F=94.523, p<0.001). This indicates that the addition of dicalcium silicate nanoparticles (C₂S NPs) at different concentrations significantly affected the studied microhardness property of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) cements using Shore D.

G1 and G2 recorded similar average values ​​(45.42 and 45.23, respectively), while the 10% C₂S nanoparticle group (G3) showed significantly lower average values. This suggests that the addition of 10% nanoparticles reduced the property value, reducing mechanical integrity and homogeneity at higher addition ratios [1,2,3,14].

Conclusion:

The addition of calcium silicate nanoparticles significantly enhanced the surface hardness, depending on the concentration, indicating potential benefits for improving restoration durability and periodontal health.