Physiochemical properties of a bioceramic-based root canal sealer reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes, titanium carbide and boron nitride biomaterials

Abstract Aim Bioceramic-containing root canal sealers are the most recently introduced sealers in endodontics. The present work reported experiments on a bioceramic-based root canal sealer with the objective of improving its physiochemical properties via reinforcement with each one of the three different nanomaterials: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTS), titanium carbide (TC) or boron nitride (BN) in two weight percentages (1 wt% and 2 wt%). Methodology Each nanomaterial was added to a definite weight of BioRoot root canal sealer (BioRoot™ RCS, Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fosses, France). Three composite groups of each weight percentage were prepared for evaluation: BioRoot/MWCNTS, BioRoot/TC and BioRoot/BN. The initial and final setting times, solubility, elution and pH values of the freshly-mixed and set samples were evaluated and compared to pristine BioRoot™ RCS. Setting times were evaluated using Gilmore needles. Solubility and elution were determined after immersion in water for 24 h. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the microstructure of the composite materials. Results The 1-wt. % composites possessed significantly shorter initial and final setting times compared with the pristine BioRoot™ RCS (p  Conclusions A bioceramic-containing root canal sealer (BioRootTM RCS) with a shorter setting time, an alkaline pH profile, and a relatively lower solubility may be developed by incorporation of nanomaterials.