Evaluation of reinforced strength and remineralized potential of resins with nanocrystallites and silica modified filler surfaces

Surface-modified dicalcium phosphate anhydrous particles that were treated with an ion-rich solution and a silane-coupling agent were evaluated as fillers for resin composites. The physiochemical properties of these composites were characterized. The properties of the specimens as reinforcements, which were modified using various surface conditions and 30% and 50% filler to composite mass ratios (30% and 50%) were measured before and after they were immersed in water for 24 h. All groups were of the same strength and showed no significant changes after immersion. However, the groups showed a significant increase in the modulus after 24 h of immersion. The filler surfaces with nanocrystallites had the highest modulus, whereas the fillers treated with silanization had the lowest ion concentration in the solution and highest remineralization ability after immersion. The strength and brittleness were increased by the modified fillers with nanocrystallites on the surfaces and by the increased amount of fillers in the resin composites. Filler surfaces that were modified with silica hindered interfacial interactions and consequently had better flexibility and less brittleness during the light-curing process. Surface modifications of reinforced particles using nanocrystallites and silica films have superior potential applications in restorative medicine. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.