Effect of Si Concentration on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Nano-Size Alkaline-Based Pure Natural Kaolinite

Geopolymer is a promising material for dental implant abutments and is commonly used in orthopedic and spinal procedures due to its exceptional mechanical and biological properties, including bioactivity, biocompatibility, and suitability for replacing hard tissue. Advances in engineering and nanotechnology in healthcare and dentistry have further improved the application of polymers in dentistry, making them an excellent option for dental implants. This paper also provides an update on the antibacterial properties of polymers used in dentistry, utilizing advanced nanomaterials. The study used a liquid activator consisting of a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a solution of sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), and silicon oxide (SiO2) at different weight ratios, along with distilled water and standard Meta kaolinite weight, with a mixing time of 5 minutes. The geopolymer exhibited significant improvements in its properties with an increase in Si concentration until it reached the ideal geopolymer formula of 1Al-1Na-4Si. The geopolymer’s compressive strength increased notably when the SiO2 ratio was increased from 3.2 to 4.0. The highest compressive strength was observed with curing conditions of 25ºC for 28 days, and the samples also had high density. The concentration of silica (from 3.2 to 4.0 molecular weight) in the general formula of geopolymer made of alkaline-based natural pure kaolinite, sodium silicate, and sodium hydroxide significantly affected mechanical and physical properties such as compressive strength and surface hardness. Therefore, these values should be considered standard for geopolymer production.