Effect of Nanotube Fillers on Impact Strength and Fracture Toughness Forces of PMMA Denture Base Material

Abstract

The main goal of this research was to create nanocomposites of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) with improved mechanical strength. The study aimed to explore how different amounts of hybrid nano-fillers (4.25 wt% HNTs and 0.75 wt% MWCNTs) ranging from 1% to 6% affected the impact strength (IS) and fracture toughness (K_IC) properties of these materials. Additionally, the research involved examining the surface characteristics of the PMMA nanocomposites using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, after treating the hybrid nanofillers with a silane coupling agent. The results showed a significant increase in both impact strength and fracture toughness as the loading of hybrid nanofillers increased. Particularly noteworthy was the substantial improvement in IS and KICvalues when the nanofillers reached a loading of 5 wt%, measuring 10.25 KJ/m² and 2.58 MPa·m^1/2, respectively. In comparison, the pure PMMA matrix had significantly lower values of 5.27 KJ/m² for IS and 1.60 MPa·m^1/2 for KIC. Consequently, the addition of hybrid nanofillers (HNTs/MWCNTs) into the PMMA matrix greatly enhanced the PMMA denture base material, indicating its potential for improving the longevity of dental composites.