Filler loading effect of Al2O3/TiO2 nanoparticles on physical and mechanical characteristics of dental base composite (PMMA)

Although dental raw PMMA has unique features such as its ease and aesthetic fabrication, low cost, and a favorable physical and mechanical properties. Nonetheless, these are insufficient to provide the necessary wear resistance, hardness, and mechanical strength. Wherefore, dental applications are less suited to pure PMMA. The present article focuses on using hybrid filler of Al2O3 and TiO2 NPs with various loading content to evaluate and minimize the wear rate. The tribological characteristics of the nanocomposites were evaluated by a reciprocating tribometer. And the wear resistance was assessed with 3D microscopic images and SEM. The PMMA nano -composite samples containing 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6%, and 2.0 wt% filling content of hybrid Al2O3 and TiO2 NPs to compared to an unfilled sample, were fabricated. The hardness of the nanocomposites was found using Shore D durometer. The XRD, density, modulus of elasticity, compressive yield strength, and fracture toughness were performed experimentally. Results showed that the incorporation of hybrid of Al2O3 and TiO2 NPs showed a good enhancement in the mechanical and tribological properties of PMMA composites. Experimental results illustrated that, the nanocomposites with 0.8 wt% of filler content recorded a distinct performance among other filler amounts. COF and Wear rate are reduced up to 20% and 28%, respectively.

Automated summary

This study focuses on enhancing the performance of PMMA composites by adding a hybrid of Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles. Experimental results showed that nanocomposites with 0.8% filler content exhibited the best performance.