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 (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05). The flexural and impact strengths of PMMA-nano-ZrO₂ + GF composites were significantly improved when compared with those of pure PMMA (<i>p</i> < 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.