Effect of Particle Size Reduction on the Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement
Nozimjon Tuygunov, Farangis Abdurahimova
Sevara Rizaeva, Zohaib Khurshid
Arief Cahyanto, Myrna Nurlatifah Zakaria
Bakhtinur Khudanov
Abstract
The effect of particle size reduction on the performance of conventional glass
ionomer cement (GIC) was evaluated with the aim of improving its bioactivity while
maintaining adequate mechanical integrity. Conventional GIC powders were
processed to obtain nano-, submicron-, and hybrid-sized particles, and their
physicochemical and mechanical properties were compared with an untreated
control. Characterization through PSD, FE-SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR confirmed the
structural stability of the glass phase after milling. The nano-sized formulation
exhibited enhanced fluoride and calcium ion release and showed a more alkaline pH
over time, indicating improved reactivity and potential bioactivity. However, the
refinement of particles to the nanoscale led to reduced compressive strength and
extended setting time, suggesting an inverse relationship between ion release and
mechanical resistance. The hybrid formulation, combining nano and submicron
fractions, achieved a desirable balance between bioactivity and mechanical stability.
These findings demonstrate that controlled particle size engineering can modulate
the functional behavior of GICs, offering a promising pathway for optimizing their
clinical performance and expanding their indications in restorative dentistry.
Learning Objectives
- To discuss how hybrid particle size formulations can achieve a balance
between bioactivity and durability in future GIC developments. - To describe how particle size reduction influences the ion release and physicochemical profile of conventional GIC.
- To explain the inverse relationship between particle size reduction and mechanical strength in GIC materials.