Evaluation of the Mechanical and Radiopacity Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Barium Titanate-denture Base Composites

摘要

This study aimed to evaluate the flexural and hardness properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) denture base filled with barium titanate (BaTiO3). The BaTiO3 filler was treated with 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate, which is a silane coupling agent. Curing was performed in a water bath at 78 degrees C for 1.5 h. The samples were tested for tensile and flexural strength and surface hardness. The samples were also radiographed, and their optical densities were determined. Radiopacity values were compared with that of an aluminium (Al) plate with equivalent thickness. A reduction in the tensile and flexural strength of the PMMA composite was observed at high filler loadings. However, the surface hardness of the denture base composites was enhanced as a function of filler loading. The radiopacity of the PMMA/BaTiO3 composites was also improved. Adding 10 wt.% of BaTiO3 to PMMA resulted in a higher optical density (OD) (p < 0.07) compared with that of Al.