Effect of Al2O3/ZrO2 reinforcement on the mechanical properties of PMMA denture base

A study on the properties of denture base materials made from PMMA filled with Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 was carried out. The amount of Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 filler was fixed at 5 wt%. However, the ratio of Al 2 O 3 to ZrO 2 added was from 0 to 100. Samples were prepared for fracture toughness, flexural, and tensile tests. The fracture surface was analyzed using SEM and EDS. It was found that the Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 of 80 : 20 ratio shows the highest values of fracture toughness and flexural properties. SEM micrographs indicate that distribution of Al 2 O 3 and ZrO 2 in the PMMA matrix is fairly homogeneous. The interface between the reinforcement particles and matrix is good. Therefore, addition of Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 in PMMA improves the mechanical properties of this denture base material.