Evaluation Flexural Strength of PMMA Resins with the Addition of Nanoparticles

Abstract

The flexural strength of heat cure acrylic resin was investigated by adding different concentrations of TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles to increase its mechanical properties. ZrO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles were added at 1, 3, and 5% concentrations to the powder portion of heat polymerized acrylic resins. A total of 49 samples were prepared in 65 × 10 × 3 mm size. The structural characterisations of all experimental groups were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Flexural strength of the resin specimens was evaluated with a three-point bending test in a universal test machine and then examined under by scanning electron microscope to assess its topographic characteristics. The highest flexural strength value was obtained for 3% TiO2, while the lowest values were obtained for 1% and 5% TiO2. 1% ZrO2 and 3% TiO2 groups showed statistically higher flexural strength values than the control group. The addition of 3% and 5% ZrO2 and 1% and 5% TiO2 showed statistically lower flexural strength than the control group. The addition of ZrO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles for strengthening acrylic resin is directly related to the amount of concentration. The addition of 1% ZrO2 and 3% TiO2 is recommended to strengthen heat cure acrylic resin due to its high flexural strength values.