AbstractThe objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanical performance of Z350
resin composite modified with Bombyx mori cocoons silk nanoparticles for dental
applications. Four experimental groups were analyzed G0% = Filtek Z350 resin
composite (control); G1% = Filtek Z350 with 1% of silk nanoparticles; G3% =
Filtek Z350 with 3% of silk nanoparticles; G5% = Filtek Z350 with 5% of silk
nanoparticles. It was employed scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive
X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, 3-point flexural strength test, Knoop
hardness test, and surface roughness. From 3-point flexural strength tests the
control group presented the best results G0%= 113.33 MPa (±23.73).
The higher flexural modulus was shown by groups G3%= 29.150 GPa
(±5.191) and G5%= 34.101 GPa (±7.940), which are statistically
similar. The Knoop microhardness test has shown statistical difference only
among the G3%group between the top 80.78 (± 3.00) and bottom 68.80
(±3.62) and no difference between the groups. The roughness test presented no
statistical difference between the groups. The incorporation of silk
nanoparticles reduced the flexural strength of Z350 resin composite. The surface
roughness and microhardness tests showed no changes in any of the groups
studied.