New dental materials reinforced by carbon nanotubes: тhe technology of obtaining and the study of properties

Polymeric materials (plastics) are widely used in dentistry for implants and dental fillings. Therefore, the development of new dental materials with improved characteristics, is a very important task. In the last decade special expectations in the field of creation of new materials are associated with the use of unique carbon nanomaterials - carbon nanotubes, which have unique characteristics. That is why they can be used as an effective means of improving strength properties of polymeric materials obtained by the reinforcement of the polymer matrix and carbon nanotubes. The authors propose the technology of creating new dental materials based on the basis of rapid-hardening dental plastic material "Karbodent" by reinforcing carbon nanotubes. The samples of new polymer materials with different percentages of nanotubes were obtained, the results of measurement of their strength characteristics were provided. The mechanism of interaction of the basic components of "Karbodent" and single-wall carbon nanotubes are theoretically studied. The various orientations of the main components of "Karbodent" were analyzed in relation to the surface of carbon nanotubes. A semi empirical quantum chemical MNDO method is the main method of calculation. On the basis of the analysis of theoretical and practical studies, the authors made conclusions about the feasibility of a new dental material using carbon nanotubes with unique strength characteristics. The composites reinforced by carbon nanotubes polymers can be recommended for use not only in the practice of orthodontics, but also in creating high-strength seals. Such polymer systems are useful for creating prosthetic fabrication of orthodontic appliances, temporary prostheses.