Effect of green propolis addition to physical mechanical properties of glass ionomer cements

Objective

This study investigated the mechanical properties of glass ionomer cements (GICs)combined with propolis as a natural antimicrobial substance

Material and Methods

Typified green propolis, as an ethanolic extract (EEP) or in the lyophilized form(powder), was incorporated to specimens of Ketac Fil Plus, ChemFlex and KetacMolar Easymix GICs. For each test, 8 specimens of each material were prepared. Forwater sorption and solubility tests, specimens were subjected to dehydration,hydration and re-dehydration cycles until a constant mass was obtained for eachstep. Measurements were recorded using a digital balance of 10^-4 gprecision. For the diametral tensile strength test, specimens were tested in auniversal test machine at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed after 24 h storage indeionized water. Data were evaluated by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests(p<0.05).

Results

The addition of propolis to GIC clearly increased water sorption compared to purematerial. Solubility was material-dependent and was not clearly evident. For thediametral tensile strength test, association with propolis altered negatively onlyChemflex.

Conclusion

It may be concluded that incorporation of propolis to GICs alters some propertiesin a material-dependent condition.