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 Al2O3/ZrO2 was carried out. The amount of Al2O3/ZrO2 filler was fixed at 5 wt%. However, the ratio of Al2O3 to ZrO2 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 Al2O3/ZrO2 of 80 : 20 ratio shows the highest values of fracture toughness and flexural properties. SEM micrographs indicate that distribution of Al2O3 and ZrO2 in the PMMA matrix is fairly homogeneous. The interface between the reinforcement particles and matrix is good. Therefore, addition of Al2O3/ZrO2 in PMMA improves the mechanical properties of this denture base material.