Hybrid Micro-Nano ZrO₂ Reinforcement: Enhancing Dental Amalgam Performance

The conventional dental amalgam has some multifarious drawbacks which lead to increasing demand for improving them to overcome the present limitations. The present study aimed to increase the dimensional stability and improve the mechanical properties by introduction of hybrid composite. The improvement is carried out by the addition of zirconia powder in both nano and micron particle size. Nano zirconia increases the structural cohesion of the amalgam due to the high surface area, which improves the bond between the particles and the matrix. While the micron sized zirconia acts as internal reinforcements that prevent the growth and propagation of microcracks, improving long-term compressive strength. The addition resulted in an improvement in compression strength in one hour by 48% and by 10 % for 24 hours. Creep resistance improved by 44% and dimensional stability improved by 96%. In overall, the hybrid modification of nano and micro ZrO₂ provides a synergistic effect, enhancing the durability and performance of dental amalgam. This modification can be a promising approach to overcoming the conventional limitations of dental amalgam, leading to more reliable and long-lasting restorative fillings