Incorporation of boron nitride nanotubes in the physical-mechanical properties and mineral deposition of experimental resin monomers

• Grant number: 24/16923-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Marilia Mattar de Amoêdo Campos Velo
• Grantee: Giovana Shiotani de Almeida
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of the incorporation of boron nitride nanotubes (NTNBs) at different concentrations on the physical-mechanical properties and bioactive potential of experimental resin monomers. This in vitro study involves two factors: 1 - Experimental composite resins (resin monomers) and 2 - Addition of NTNBs (no addition, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% by mass). From the measured resin mass, a calculation will be made for the addition of 0.5, 1% and 1.5% by mass of NTNBs and the specimens will be characterized according to flexural strength, elastic modulus, surface hardness (SH), surface roughness (Ra) and degree of monomer conversion (DC). The specimens for flexural strength and elastic modulus tests will be stored in artificial saliva for 6 months at 37°C, to simulate aging under the physiological conditions of the oral environment. The Knoop hardness of the upper surface will be measured in three different areas with a load of 50N for 15s. The average of the three readings of each specimen will be calculated (n=6/group). To evaluate Ra, disc-shaped specimens (10×2 mm2) will be fabricated (n=10) and evaluated by the rugosimeter. For DC, the samples will be prepared using a silicone mold to standardize the amount (1mm) of material (n=5), photopolymerized for 40s using a 1,000 mW/cm2 LED device, and evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). To assess mineral deposition, samples from all groups (n=3) will be immersed in artificial saliva (37°C, in an oven) and SEM-FEG/EDS analysis will be performed at the initial time (T0) and after 21 days of immersion. For quantitative analyses of the physical-mechanical properties, two-criteria Analysis of Variance tests will be performed, followed by the Tukey test (p<0.05).