The Surface Hardness of Glass Ionomer Cement after the Addition of Hydroxyapatite from Tilapia Scales

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 140 views

The Surface Hardness of Glass Ionomer Cement after the Addition of Hydroxyapatite from Tilapia Scales

Introduction

In the field of materials science, researchers have been actively exploring ways to improve the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement, a widely used dental restorative material. One promising approach is the addition of hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to enhance the mechanical characteristics of various materials. This study aims to investigate the surface hardness of glass ionomer cement after the addition of hydroxyapatite synthesized from tilapia scales (Oreochromis niloticus) in varying weight percentages of 2%, 5%, and 8%. The findings of this study have significant implications for the development of dental and other construction materials.

Materials and Methods

The glass ionomer cement samples used in this study were prepared in the form of tablets with a diameter of 5 mm and a height of 2 mm. A total of 40 samples were divided into four groups: group A (control group) without the addition of hydroxyapatite, group B with the addition of 2% hydroxyapatite, group C with 5% hydroxyapatite, and group D with 8% hydroxyapatite. The hydroxyapatite used in this study was obtained from tilapia scales through the calcination method, resulting in a powder that was then added to the glass ionomer cement mixture.

The glass ionomer cement mixture was prepared according to a specified proportion and inserted into a tablet-shaped mold. The top of the mold was coated with a celluloid strip and subjected to a load of 1 kg for 2 minutes 20 seconds to ensure good deposition. The surface hardness of the samples was then tested using a Vickers Hardness Tester.

Results

The results of the study are presented in the following table:

Group	Average Surface Hardness (VHN)	Standard Deviation (VHN)
A (Control)	49.81 ± 3.55	-
B (2% HA)	34.49 ± 1.82	-
C (5% HA)	32.58 ± 1.61	-
D (8% HA)	36.63 ± 3.09	-

The results show a significant decrease in surface hardness of the glass ionomer cement after the addition of hydroxyapatite, especially at the 2%, 5%, and 8% levels. The average surface hardness of the control group (group A) was 49.81 ± 3.55 VHN, while the groups with added hydroxyapatite showed a significant decrease in surface hardness.

Data Analysis

The data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA test, which showed a significant difference in surface hardness between the groups being tested (p < 0.05). The continued test using LSD also showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between group A and groups B, C, and D, as well as between groups C and D.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that the addition of hydroxyapatite from tilapia scales affects the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement, leading to a significant decrease in surface hardness. This finding has significant implications for the development of dental and other construction materials. The use of natural materials, such as hydroxyapatite from tilapia scales, offers a promising approach to improving material performance in various fields.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of using hydroxyapatite from tilapia scales to improve the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement. The findings of this study have significant implications for the development of dental and other construction materials. Further research is needed to fully explore the potential of this approach and to develop new materials with improved properties.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research is needed to fully explore the potential of using hydroxyapatite from tilapia scales to improve the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement.
The use of natural materials, such as hydroxyapatite from tilapia scales, offers a promising approach to improving material performance in various fields.
The development of new materials with improved properties, such as glass ionomer cement with added hydroxyapatite, has significant potential for applications in dentistry and other fields.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be noted:

The study was conducted using a limited number of samples, which may not be representative of the larger population.
The study only investigated the surface hardness of glass ionomer cement after the addition of hydroxyapatite, and further research is needed to explore other mechanical properties.
The study did not investigate the long-term effects of adding hydroxyapatite to glass ionomer cement, which may be an important consideration for dental and other applications.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on fully exploring the potential of using hydroxyapatite from tilapia scales to improve the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement. This may involve:

Investigating the effects of adding hydroxyapatite to glass ionomer cement on other mechanical properties, such as compressive strength and flexural strength.
Exploring the use of other natural materials, such as bone ash or coral, to improve the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement.
Developing new materials with improved properties, such as glass ionomer cement with added hydroxyapatite, for applications in dentistry and other fields.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Surface Hardness of Glass Ionomer Cement after the Addition of Hydroxyapatite from Tilapia Scales

Q: What is the purpose of this study? A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the surface hardness of glass ionomer cement after the addition of hydroxyapatite synthesized from tilapia scales (Oreochromis niloticus) in varying weight percentages of 2%, 5%, and 8%.

Q: What is glass ionomer cement? A: Glass ionomer cement is a type of dental restorative material that is widely used in dentistry. It is a mixture of glass powder and an acid that reacts to form a hard, durable material.

Q: What is hydroxyapatite? A: Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in bone and teeth. It is a key component of tooth enamel and has been shown to have various biological and mechanical properties.

Q: How was the hydroxyapatite used in this study obtained? A: The hydroxyapatite used in this study was obtained from tilapia scales through the calcination method, resulting in a powder that was then added to the glass ionomer cement mixture.

Q: What was the method used to test the surface hardness of the glass ionomer cement? A: The surface hardness of the glass ionomer cement was tested using a Vickers Hardness Tester.

Q: What were the results of the study? A: The results of the study showed a significant decrease in surface hardness of the glass ionomer cement after the addition of hydroxyapatite, especially at the 2%, 5%, and 8% levels.

Q: What are the implications of this study? A: The findings of this study have significant implications for the development of dental and other construction materials. The use of natural materials, such as hydroxyapatite from tilapia scales, offers a promising approach to improving material performance in various fields.

Q: What are the limitations of this study? A: This study has several limitations that should be noted, including the limited number of samples used, the focus on surface hardness only, and the lack of investigation into the long-term effects of adding hydroxyapatite to glass ionomer cement.

Q: What are the future directions for this research? A: Future research should focus on fully exploring the potential of using hydroxyapatite from tilapia scales to improve the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement. This may involve investigating the effects of adding hydroxyapatite to glass ionomer cement on other mechanical properties, exploring the use of other natural materials, and developing new materials with improved properties.

Q: What are the potential applications of this research? A: The findings of this study have significant potential for applications in dentistry and other fields, including the development of new materials with improved properties, the use of natural materials to improve material performance, and the creation of more durable and long-lasting materials.

Q: What are the next steps for this research? A: The next steps for this research will involve further investigation into the effects of adding hydroxyapatite to glass ionomer cement on other mechanical properties, exploring the use of other natural materials, and developing new materials with improved properties.