Effect of Date Seeds Powder on Thermal Properties of Glass Ionomer Cement

Abstract

The oral environment is constantly subjected to thermal changes due to the hot and cold foods being taken. The increase and decrease of the temperature in the mouth may cause cracks and fractures in tooth structure and edge leakages in restoration. The thermal properties of glass ionomer cement (GIC) can be enhanced through mixing with natural reinforcement materials. This study aimed to use date seeds powder (DSP) as a reinforcement filler material which is cheap and eco-friendly to commercial glass ionomers cement. Date seeds powder is incorporated into the powder component of Glass Ionomer Cement at 1, 3, and 5 wt. %. The unblended powder was used as control. Glass ionomer cement reinforced with Date Seeds was analyzed using thermal properties such as thermal conductivity and thermal expansion. Surface inspection using a scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was conducted. The results revealed that the Incorporation of 1, 3, and 5 wt. % date seeds powder to Glass ionomer cement increased the thermal expansion. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity is decreased in comparison to the control sample. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy results indicate that a chemical interaction has occurred between Glass Ionomer Cement and the organic Date seeds.