Reinforcement of PMMA Denture Base Material with a Mixture of ZrO₂Nanoparticles and Glass Fibers

Abstract

This study is aimed at evaluating the hybrid reinforcement effects of zirconium oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZrO2) and glass fibers (GFs) at different ratios on the flexural and impact strengths of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base. A total of 160 specimens were fabricated from heat-polymerized acrylic resins using the water bath technique. For the control group, the specimens did not receive any additions; for the test group, different concentrations of nano-ZrO2/GFs at 5% of the PMMA polymer were added. The concentrations of nano-ZrO2/GFs were as follows: 5%–0%, 4%–1%, 3%–2%, 2.5%–2.5%, 2%–3%, 1%–4%, and 0%–5%. The flexural strength was measured using the three-point bending test. The impact strength was measured using the Charpy impact test. Results were tabulated and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison test (p≤0.05). The flexural and impact strengths of PMMA-nano-ZrO2 + GF composites were significantly improved when compared with those of pure PMMA (p<0.05). The maximum flexural strength (94.05 ± 6.95 MPa) and impact strength (3.89 ± 0.46 kJ/m2) were obtained with PMMA (2.5%)/nano-ZrO2 + 2.5% GF mixtures and could be used for removable prosthesis fabrication.

Evaluation of Equivalent Flexural Strength for Complete Removable Dentures Made of Zirconia-Impregnated PMMA Nanocomposites

“…It is expected that a homogeneous distribution of zirconia particles would fill the spaces between linear chains of acrylic resin matrix. This would therefore restrict the segmental movements of the macromolecular chains and thus improve the flexural strength of the nanocomposite [25].…”

“…Recently, numerous investigations have focused on adding nanoparticles such as yttria-stabilised tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) to improve the mechanical and physical properties of conventional heat-polymerised denture base resins [25][26][27]. This type of zirconia, called "ceramic steel", possesses superior mechanical properties, good surface properties, and high biocompatibility, thus making it an attractive option for many dental applications [28].…”

Effect of Antibacterial Silver-Releasing Filler on the Physicochemical Properties of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Denture Base Material

“…A similar decrease in the mechanical properties along with the increase in mass concentrations of fillers has been noted after the introduction of particles, e.g., ZrO 2 , nanodiamonds, Al 2 O 3 , hydroxyapatite, titanium oxide, ground fillers of natural origin or even glass fibers [83,[87][88][89]. On the other hand, potential reinforcement in many cases can be achieved by using the synergistic effect of various additives (e.g., different particles, glass meshes, and glass fibers) [90].…”

The Impact of Polymerization Technique and Glass-Fiber Reinforcement on the Flexural Properties of Denture Base Resin Material

“…Preweighted glass fibers were treated with 3-trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate (TMSPM; Shanghai Richem International Co., Ltd., China) as a silane-coupling agent at room temperature for 1 minute, then added, and mixed with the preweighted acrylic resin powder. 30 Based on the manufacturer's instructions, the liquid/powder ratio of the resin polymer was mixed using a porcelain container that was kneaded by hand to increase the polymer homogeneity and integrity until reaching the doughy stage where the acrylic resin was then packed into a mold. After that, the flasks were closed for 30 minutes under a pressure of 20 kN.…”

“…After that, the flasks were closed for 30 minutes under a pressure of 20 kN. 30 The whole unit was preserved for 1 hour at room temperature. Polymerization Technique and Glass-Fiber Reinforcement Al-Thobity…”