Effects of Graphene Addition on the Mechanical Properties of Composites for Dental Restoration

Alternative research techniques are essential in order to prove the efficacy of graphene dental materials and their viability, especially if we associate them with other materials studied so far. It is important to determine the effects of these techniques because they can demonstrate the viability and credibility of the research on its properties. The purpose of this study was to measure and analyze the mechanical properties of several composite materials with/without graphene and commercial composite Herculite, designed for dental composites restorations. The materials were composed of a visible light-curing monomer mixture (BisGMA+TEGDMA) as a matrix and hydroxyapatite with graphene, bioglasses, colloidal silica as a reinforcing filler. Ten specimens of different composites were prepared for each mechanical test: flexural strength, Young’s modulus, diametral tensile strength, and compressive strength test (Lloyd InstrumentsLR5k Plus). Mean values and standard deviations were calculated and ANOVA and Student Newman Keuls multiple comparison tests were applied (P< 0.05). The addition of 5-10 wt% of hydroxyapatite with graphene nanoparticles to the unfilled monomer mixtures led to the increase of both Young’s modulus, surface hardness of the material, and the flexural strength. Hydroxyapatite with graphene has been used as reinforcing nanofiller in polymeric materials, having potential applications for restorative composites.