Hybrid effects of zirconia nanoparticles with aluminum borate whiskers on mechanical properties of denture base resin PMMA.

The aim of this study was to investigate the hybrid effects of ZrO₂ nanoparticles (nano-ZrO₂) and aluminum borate whiskers (ABWs) on flexural strength and surface hardness of denture base resin, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Both nano-ZrO₂ and ABWs were modified by silane coupling agent (Z6030) before being mixed with PMMA. Various amounts of silanized nano-ZrO₂ and ABWs were mixed with PMMA to prepare ZrO₂-ABW/PMMA composites. Flexural strength and surface hardness were evaluated using three- point bending test and Vickers hardness test respectively. Fractured surfaces were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical behaviors of silanized ZrO₂-ABW/PMMA composites were significantly improved. Flexural strength reached a maximum value of 108.01 ± 5.54 MPa when 2 wt% of nano-ZrO₂ was mixed with ABWs at a ZrO₂/ABW ratio of 1:2, amounting to an increase of 52% when compared with pure PMMA. Surface hardness achieved a maximum value of 22.50 ± 0.86 MPa when 3 wt% of nano-ZrO₂ was mixed with ABWs at the same ZrO₂/ABW ratio, which was an increase of 27% when compared with pure PMMA.