Hybrid effects of zirconia nanoparticles with aluminum borate whiskers on mechanical properties of denture base resin PMMA

抄録

The aim of this study was to investigate the hybrid effects of ZrO₂ nanoparticles (nano-ZrO₂) and aluminum borate whiskers (ABWs) on flexural strength and surface hardness of denture base resin, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Both nano-ZrO₂ and ABWs were modified by silane coupling agent (Z6030) before being mixed with PMMA. Various amounts of silanized nano-ZrO₂ and ABWs were mixed with PMMA to prepare ZrO₂-ABW/PMMA composites. Flexural strength and surface hardness were evaluated using three- point bending test and Vickers hardness test respectively. Fractured surfaces were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical behaviors of silanized ZrO₂-ABW/PMMA composites were significantly improved. Flexural strength reached a maximum value of 108.01±5.54 MPa when 2 wt% of nano-ZrO₂ was mixed with ABWs at a ZrO₂/ABW ratio of 1:2, amounting to an increase of 52% when compared with pure PMMA. Surface hardness achieved a maximum value of 22.50±0.86 MPa when 3 wt% of nano-ZrO₂ was mixed with ABWs at the same ZrO₂/ABW ratio, which was an increase of 27% when compared with pure PMMA.