Evaluation of the effect of micro-hydroxyapatite incorporation on the diametral tensile strength of glass ionomer cements

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of micro-hydroxyapatite (micro-HAP) incorporation on the diametral tensile strengths (DTSs) of a conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty disc-shaped specimens (diameter: 6.5 mm, height: 2 mm) were prepared into four groups (n = 10) as follows: group 1, conventional GIC; Group 2, GIC + micro-HAP (15 wt %); Group 3, RMGIC; and Group 4, RMGIC + micro-HAP (15 wt %). All the specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h at room temperature. The DTSs of the specimens were measured using a universal testing machine. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the DTS of conventional GIC with and without micro-HAP incorporation (P > 0.05). Moreover, the DTS of RMGIC incorporated with micro-HAP was significantly lower than that of RMGIC without micro-HAP incorporation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Micro-HAP incorporation did not affect the DTS of conventional GIC. The DTS of RMGIC was negatively influenced by the micro-HAP incorporation. Conventional GIC (with and without hydroxyapatite) exhibited a lower DTS than RMGIC (with or without hydroxyapatite).