The effect of short polyethylene fiber with different weight percentages on diametral tensile strength of conventional and resin modified glass ionomer cements

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polyethylene fiber on diametral tensile strength of conventional and resin modified glass ionomer cements. Material and Methods: 60 specimens in 6 groups (n=10) were prepared. In group 1 conventional glass ionomer (Fuji GC) and in group 2 resin modified glass ionomer (Fuji LC) were as control groups. In group 3 and 4 conventional glass ionomers were mixed with short polyethylene fibers in proportion of 1 wt% and 3 wt%, respectively. In fifth and sixth groups, resin modified glass ionomer and short polyethylene fibers were mixed in 1 and 3% wt, respectively. Samples were prepared in a round brass mold (6.5×2.5 mm). After thermo-cycling, the diametral tensile strength of the specimens were tested and data were analyzed with ANOVA and post-hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: Diametral tensile strength of both conventional and resin modified glass ionomer cements increased after mixing with polyethylene fiber (p < 0.001). Also, reinforcement occurred as the mixing percentage increased from 1% wt to 3% wt in either conventional glass ionomer and resin modified glass ionomer (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The polyethylene fiber was shown to have a significant positive influence on diametral tensile strength of two types of glass ionomers.