Comparative Effect of Incorporation of ZrO2, TiO2, and SiO2 Nanoparticles on the Strength and Surface Properties of PMMA Denture Base Material: An In Vitro Study

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of nanoparticles (zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silicon dioxide (SiO2)) on the flexural strength, impact strength, hardness, and wear resistance of the acrylic resin denture base material. Materials and Methods Acrylic resin specimens were fabricated in dimensions according to American Dental Association (ADA) specifications per test. Specimens were divided according to nanofiller into four groups; unmodified as control, ZrO2 (Z), TiO2, (T), and SiO2 (S) groups. Each one was subdivided into two subgroups according to nanoparticle concentrations; 3% and 7% (Z3, Z7, T3, T7, S3, and S7). A 3-point bending test, Charpy impact test, and Vickers hardness test were used for flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness measurements, respectively. Wear resistance was measured by the differences in surface roughness of tested specimens before and after the wear test. A scanning electron microscope was used to assess nanoparticle specifications and distributions and for fracture surfaces analysis. ANOVA, Bonferroni's post hoc test, and the Kruskal–Wallis test were applied for data analysis (α = 0.05). Results Regarding the flexural and impact strength, there was a statistically remarkable increase for all tested groups compared with the control group, except for the T7 and S7 groups (P value <0.001, effect size = 0.893) and (P value <0.001, effect size = 0.759), respectively. There was a statistically significant improvement in the hardness of all tested groups compared with the control group (P value <0.001, effect size = 0.67) except T3 and S3. Regarding wear, a statistically significant enhancement was noticed in the wear resistance of all tested groups (P value <0.001, effect size = 0.685), except for the T7 and S7 groups. Conclusion The flexural strength, impact strength, and wear resistance improved with both concentrations of ZrO2 and low TiO2 and SiO2 concentrations. The hardness increased with both concentrations of ZrO2 and high TiO2 and SiO2 concentrations.