Effect of Addition Of Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles on Flexural Strength and Porosity of Heat Cure Acrylic Resin

Heat cure denture base is the most commonly used material for fabrication of removable prosthesis to the present day. However difficulties persist in fabrication of satisfactory prosthesis due to poor mechanical properties which have resulted in frequent repairs in dental practice. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of Zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2NPs) on flexural strength and porosity of denture base and its correlation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to check the purity of NPs. NPs was dispersed at 1%, 3% and 5% by weight to the monomer of methyl methacrylate with aid of probe sonicator. In addition, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to observe agglomeration of particles within the acrylic. The results revealed significant flexural strength difference (p<0.05) between each concentration of ZrO2NPs. The analysis showed 17% and 11% reduction for 1% and 3% ZrO2NPs respectively while 5% caused a drastic reduction by 32% in reference to control. In regards to porosity, the results present no statistically significant difference among the concentrations in contrast to control. Pearson correlation showed strong and a negative relation (-0.83) between flexural strength and porosity. However, the results was not statistically significant (p=0.369). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the addition of ZrO2 caused reduction in flexural strength for all concentrations added. While it caused non-significant effect on porosity of acrylic. suitable additive to enhance the properties of PMMA.