Pembuatan dan Karakterisasi Komposit Tambal Gigi Berbasis PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) dengan Penambahan Titanium Dioksida (TiO₂) dan Eugenol

Abstract

A study on the fabrication and characterization of a tooth filling composite based on Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) with Eugenol and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) as binder has been carried out. This research aims to produce a dental composite material with high mechanical strength, good biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity. TiO₂ serves as a structural reinforcement and antibacterial agent, while Eugenol acts as a natural antimicrobial and soothing component for dental tissues, and PVA functions as a binder to improve adhesion and homogeneity. The materials were prepared with various weight compositions of TiO₂:Eugenol:PVA, namely 5:45:50, 10:40:50, 15:35:50, 20:30:50, and 25:25:50. PVA was dissolved in distilled water using a hot plate at 85°C for 1 hour, then TiO₂ was added and mixed with a magnetic stirrer at 80°C for 30 minutes. Eugenol was gradually added until the mixture became homogeneous and viscous, then molded into 13 mm × 13 mm × 2 mm samples. Characterizations included density, hardness, and compressive strength tests to determine physical and mechanical properties, while X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX) analyses were conducted to observe crystal structure and surface morphology. The results showed that increasing TiO₂ concentration enhanced the hardness, density, and structural stability of the composite. Uniform dispersion of TiO₂ within the Eugenol-PVA matrix produced a homogeneous and durable composite suitable for dental filling applications with strong biocompatibility and antibacterial properties.