Effect of Aluminium Oxide Filled Dental Restorative Composite Materials on Chemical and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

This study investigates the incorporation of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles into dental restorative composite materials to enhance their chemical, mechanical, and aesthetic properties. The aim was to evaluate the impact of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles on the structural integrity, surface roughness, microhardness, and color stability of dental composites. Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were synthesized through a precipitation method using aluminium chloride and sodium hydroxide, followed by characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and surface roughness measurements. The results demonstrated that Al₂O₃ nanoparticles enhanced the crystallinity and structural stability of the composite, as confirmed by XRD and FTIR analysis. HRTEM images revealed well-dispersed nanoparticles, contributing to improved surface roughness (Ra = 0.955 µm) and microhardness (50.5 VHN), indicating enhanced durability and wear resistance. The color analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles did not significantly affect the composite's aesthetic properties, maintaining compatibility with natural dentin. Overall, the study highlights the potential of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles to significantly improve the performance of dental materials, offering enhanced mechanical properties, reduced surface roughness, and preserved aesthetic appeal, with promising applications in dental restorative procedures