Influence of incorporation of ZrO₂ nanoparticles on the repair strength of polymethyl methacrylate denture bases

Abstract

Background

Repeated fracture of the denture base is a common problem in prosthodontics, and it represents a nuisance and a time sink for the clinician. Therefore, the possibility of increasing repair strength using new reinforcement materials is of great interest to prosthodontists.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporation of zirconia nanoparticles (nano-ZrO₂) on the flexural strength and impact strength of repaired polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture bases.

Materials and methods

One hundred eighty specimens of heat-polymerized acrylic resin were fabricated (90 for each test) and divided into three main groups: one control group (intact specimens) and two groups divided according to surface design (45° bevels and butt joints), in which specimens were prepared in pairs to create 2.5 mm gaps. Nano-ZrO₂ was added to repair resin in 2.5 wt%, 5 wt%, and 7.5 wt% concentrations of acrylic powder. A three-point bending test was used to measure flexural strength, and a Charpy-type test was used to measure impact strength. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the fracture surfaces and nano-ZrO₂ distribution. The results were analyzed with a paired sample t-test and an unpaired t-test, with a P-value of ≤0.05 being significant.

Results

Incorporation of nano-ZrO₂ into the repair resin significantly increased flexural strength (P<0.05). The highest value was found in the bevel group reinforced with 7.5% nano-ZrO₂, whereas the lowest value was found in the butt group reinforced with 2.5% nano-ZrO₂. The impact strength values of all repaired groups were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). Among repaired groups, the higher impact strength value was seen in the butt group reinforced with 2.5% nano-ZrO₂. The bevel joint demonstrated mainly cohesive failure, whereas the butt joint demonstrated mainly adhesive failure.

Conclusion

Incorporation of nano-ZrO₂ into the repair resin improved the flexural strength of repaired denture bases, whereas it decreased impact strength, especially with high nano-ZrO₂ concentrations.

Keywords:

• denture repair
• flexural strength
• impact strength
• PMMA
• ZrO₂ nanoparticles

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Deanship of Scientific Research, University of Dammam, for providing a research grant for this study (grant no 2014142). The authors would also like to deeply thank Dr Lindsey Mateo and Mr Intisar Siddiqui for their assistance with the mechanical testing and statistical analysis. They would like to extend their thankfulness to Badar T. Alsaqer, SEM Unit, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, University of Dammam, in preparing and studying the specimens.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.