Influence of surface modification to mechanical and thermal properties of nanomodified acrylic dental resin

Abstract

This paper investigated the processing and characterization of dental nanocomposites based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix reinforced with zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles were prepared by in-situ free radical polymerization. Surface functionalization of ZrO2 was performed by using silane coupling agents with vinyl and methacryloxy organo-functional groups. FTIR spectrometry was employed in order to characterize functionalized surface of zirconium oxide and to evaluate chemical interactions between the fillers and matrix in nanocomposites. Micro Vickers hardness showed significant improved resistance to indentation of dental nanocomposites when modified nanoparticles were employed. Obtained SEM images showed that silane coupling agents enabled effective dispersion of nanoparticles in matrix. Thermal properties of nanocomposites were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Low energy impact test was performed in order to determine the mechanical properties of nanocomposites.