Plasma surface modification of silica particles for the increased strength of dental composites [abstract]
Abstract
Many of the problems that exist today with current dental restoration materials can be eliminated through the use of nanofiber fillers such as hydroxyapatite. Materials like this can ultimately provide greater strengths and better biocompatibility. Currently, hydroxyapatite fillers provide similar reinforcement to those of silica particles. These strengths could be increased by using plasma modification techniques to treat the surface of silica particles, and eventually hydroxyapatite, thus enabling stronger bonds within dental composites as well as with teeth. Plasma modification offers much promise to increase the biocompatibility and overall strength and effectiveness of dental fillers.