Study of Physical Properties of Biocomposite Based on the Polymer Blends Used for Denture Base Applications

Abstract

In this study, two different types of polymers—Polyamide (PA) type (6) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) type (K30), each added separately with a different weight fraction (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%) to Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) heat-cured resin as blend matrix—have been blended with heat-cured PMMA resin to develop the PMMA resin properties used for prosthesis complete denture. Sisal and coconut powder, two natural powders, were added separately to the polymer blend matrices with varying weight fractions (2%, 4%, 6%) to create composite specimens. Testing for density, water absorption, thermal conductivity, FTIR, and DSC were included in this study. The results show that adding reinforcing powders and polymer blends increases density, water absorption, and thermal conductivity, except PA powder, which lowers density values. The ultimate thermal conductivity and the most negligible density value were (0.289 W/m. k and 1.182 gm/cm3), respectively, for (PMMA-6% PA). The highest water absorption value was (1.007%)for (PMMA-2% PA-6% coconut). According to FTIR and DSC tests, the miscibility between blend constituents is good, and no additional materials are formed in specimens. These findings lead to the conclusion that one of the promising composite materials that can be used for improving some physical properties of a denture base, and they are, is composed of a blended matrix and natural materials reinforcement. The materials which are used in this search are an introduction to future research in the applications of dental and other applications.