MICROSTRUCTURE, SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND VICKERS HARDNESS ANALYSES OF MISWAK REINFORCED DENTAL COMPOSITE

Abstract

Despite the widespread use of dental composites, their mechanical properties and surface characteristics can sometimes fall short of clinical expectations, potentially affecting long-term durability and overall performance. Miswak, a natural product with known oral health benefits, has been proposed as a novel reinforcement agent to improve composite properties. This study investigated the effects of miswak on the microstructure, surface roughness, and Vickers hardness (VHN) of dental composites. Specimens were prepared in the following groups: negative control (no miswak), 1 wt% miswak, 3 wt% miswak, and positive control (Filtek™ Z350XT, 3M ESPE). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the microstructure, while surface roughness and VHN were assessed using a profilometer and hardness tester, respectively, under standardised laboratory conditions. Data were analysed with one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's test. SEM analysis showed a homogeneous miswak distribution in all groups. The 3 wt% miswak group exhibited significantly lower surface roughness than the other groups (p < 0.05). The 1 wt% and 3 wt% miswak groups showed increased VHN compared to the negative control, but no significant difference was found between the 1 wt% and 3 wt% groups (p > 0.05). These results suggest that miswak reinforcement can improve the surface roughness and VHN of dental composites without compromising the resin matrix’s homogeneity.