Enhancing printing accuracy and mechanical properties of DLP dental resin via silanized cellulose nanocrystals

Yifan Ma; Zhihao Zhang; Di Chen; Gan Jin; Dewey Duhyeong Lee; Jong-Eun Kim

doi:10.1016/j.dental.2026.06.011

Back

Enhancing printing accuracy and mechanical properties of DLP dental resin via silanized cellulose nanocrystals

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Enhancing printing accuracy and mechanical properties of DLP dental resin via silanized cellulose nanocrystals

Yifan Ma, Zhihao Zhang, Di Chen, Gan Jin, Dewey Duhyeong Lee and Jong-Eun Kim

Dental materials

06/25/2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2026.06.011

PMID: 42350178

View Online

Abstract

This study aimed to synthesize silanized cellulose nanocrystals (Si-CNCs) and evaluate their efficacy as reinforcing nanofillers for enhancing the printing accuracy, mechanical properties, and surface quality of dental restorations fabricated via DLP. Si-CNCs were synthesized by grafting 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane onto CNC surfaces and characterized using DLS, Zeta potential analysis, XPS, XRD, FTIR, TGA, and AFM. Nanocomposite resins were formulated by incorporating CNCs or Si-CNCs (0.1-2 wt%) into a UA matrix. Photopolymerization characteristics were analyzed using UV-Vis transmittance and Jacob's working curve. Printing accuracy was quantified by RMS deviation analysis of 3D-printed crowns and bridges. Mechanical properties, surface roughness, and biocompatibility were also evaluated. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Characterization confirmed successful silanization. AFM images confirmed that silanization converted CNCs from bundled agglomerates into a homogeneous dispersion. UV-Vis transmittance and Jacob's working curve revealed a concentration-dependent crossover in light extinction between the two series. The Si-CNC system retained dispersion across the full concentration range and stabilized the curing depth. Printing accuracy improved significantly over the UA control and unmodified CNCs (p < 0.05). The 0.5 wt% Si-CNC group achieved the lowest RMS for both the crown (35.48 ± 1.32 µm) and bridge (57.25 ± 4.49 µm) models, with optimal DC, Vickers hardness (25.83 ± 0.69 HV), and tensile strength (47.93 ± 4.77 MPa). Si-CNCs also produced superior surface smoothness and good cell viability. Si-CNCs reconcile high printing accuracy with robust mechanical performance in DLP dental resins. This system offers a viable strategy for high-precision dental restorations.

3D Printing

Jacob’s working curve

Dimensional measurement accuracy

Nanocrystals

Mechanical tests

Dental resins

Details

Title: Subtitle: Enhancing printing accuracy and mechanical properties of DLP dental resin via silanized cellulose nanocrystals
Creators: Yifan Ma - Yonsei University
Zhihao Zhang - Yonsei University
Di Chen - Yonsei University
Gan Jin - Yonsei University
Dewey Duhyeong Lee - Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, 801 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
Jong-Eun Kim - Yonsei University
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Dental materials
DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2026.06.011
PMID: 42350178
NLM abbreviation: Dent Mater
ISSN: 1879-0097
eISSN: 1879-0097
Publisher: Elsevier
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 06/25/2026
Academic Unit: Prosthodontics
Record Identifier: 9985177964802771

Metrics

2 Record Views