A zeolite
with high ion-exchange potential was used as an active
filler with remineralizing potential in composites that can be applied
in restorative dentistry. Two calcium-rich forms of the 13X zeolite
were obtained by sodium to calcium ion exchange and mineralization
of a hydroxyapatite layer. These fillers were also silanized and mixed
with methacrylic resins and photoinitiators to obtain composite materials.
First, the effectiveness of the filler preparation and silanization
was confirmed by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy,
energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy,
nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements, thermogravimetric analysis,
and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The physicochemical characteristics
of composites with silanized and nonsilanized forms of sodium- and
calcium-rich 13X zeolite fillers were examined. The degree of conversion,
depth of cure, flexural and compressive strength, mass stability,
and remineralizing potential, understood as the ability to release
calcium ions in the conditions simulating a natural oral environment,
were determined. The effect of ion exchange, hydroxyapatite mineralization,
and silanization of fillers on the final composites’ properties
was examined. Composites with calcium-rich fillers proved to show
the ability to release Ca2+ during incubation in saline
for 14 days at 36.6 °C showing therefore remineralizing potential
with good values of other parameters.