Comparative evaluation of flexural strength of conventional heat polymerized denture base resin reinforced with non-silanized and silanized aluminum oxide powder- an in vitro study’

• Neelam Pande,  
• Shraddha Sahni,  
• Saee Deshpande,*  
• Sham Gundawar

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Although denture base acrylic resins have been used since many decades, the problem of facture of denture base still remains. Many researchers have tried to reinforce the denture base by addition of metallic oxide nanoparticles. Silanization of such nanoparticles is recommended as it improves the bond between fillers and added nanoparticles. Aims &Objective: To evaluate and compare the flexural strength (FS) of heat polymerized acrylic resin denture base material reinforced with 2.5 wt % of non-silanized and silanized aluminum oxide powder (Al2O3). Material and Methods: Seventy-five specimens of heat polymerized acrylic resin were fabricated. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 75) coded as Group N (non-silanized Al2O3), Group S (silanized Al2O3) and Group C (Control). The specimens of the remaining two groups were reinforced with 2.5 wt % of non-silanized and silanized Al2O3. The flexural strength of the specimens was measured using 3-point bending test in a Universal Testing Machine. Results: Data analyses using analysis of variance and Tukey’s post-hoc test showed that adding 2.5 wt% of silanized Al2O3; Group S significantly increased the flexural strength compared to Group C and Group N (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, Al2O3 fillers are potential reinforcers in denture bases which increased flexural strength.

Keywords

Acrylic resin, flexural strength, aluminum oxide powder, silane coupling agent.