Preparation and Characterization of Fumed Silica Added PMMA Denture Composites

A study was carried out to investigate the chemical, mechanical, and structural properties of increasing amounts of fumed silica loaded onto PMMA composite. 1% wt. fumed silica material yielded the highest values of flexural strength (105.64 MPa) and hardness (20.07 microvickers). According to DMA results, fumed silica samples contained 1% wt. had the highest energy storage (3.24 GPa at 30°C) and glass transition temperature. As a result, fumed silica in PMMA composite reached its maximum saturation limit at 1%wt. A more brittle behavior was observed in samples containing 2% fumed silica, which accumulated on the surface. The molecular bonds at the resin-fumed silica interface weaken due to the agglomeration of fumed silica. Consequently, flexural strength and hardness are reduced, as well as glass transition temperature and storage modulus. PMMA composites can be reinforced with fumed silica by acting as a reinforcing agent.