Effect of surface treatment of hydroxyapatite whiskers on the mechanical properties of bis-GMA-based composites

The mechanical properties of bis-GMA-based composites filled with hydroxyapatite (HA) particles or whiskers are characterized in this paper. The inherent properties of reinforcements, the bonding strength of the filler-matrix interface and their dispersibility in a polymer matrix were intimately associated with the mechanical performance of the composites. Silanization of both particles and whiskers effectively improved the bonding of the filler-matrix interface, their dispersibility in matrix monomers and filler loading. The particle- and whisker-filled composites showed highly significant differences in both flexural strength and fracture toughness. HA whiskers prepared by hydrothermal homogeneous precipitation had superior dispersibility and wettability in the polymer matrix; no aggregation and entanglement were found in both the products before and after silanization and the resin composites. These features conferred the whiskers having good interface bonding with the polymer matrix and superior reinforcing and toughening effects. For the particulate filler, the addition of HA led to a decrease in the flexural strength for both silane-treated and untreated fillers. Cracks propagated easily through the micropores and voids in the HA aggregates, leading to lower flexural strength and low toughness. However, silanization of HA did not show obvious effects on the elastic modulus of the composites.