MECHANICAL STRENGTH ANALYSIS OF RESINS PRINTED WITH THE ADDITION OF NB2O5 NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the strength of composite resins used for the fabrication of complete dentures after the addition of niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5). Methods: Different concentrations of Nb2O5 were added to the polymer matrix: 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% per 100 mg of resin. In this context, nanoparticles were incorporated under ideal conditions, and the test specimens were designed using Dentsply Sirona’s inLab MC XL software. After the addition of nanoparticles, samples were printed with dimensions of 25 mm in width, 2 mm in height, and 2 mm in thickness. The test specimens were fabricated through digital printing. Finally, the samples were subjected to mechanical testing for flexural strength and impact resistance. Results: The 0.5% and 1.0% groups showed higher flexural strength values (54.56 and 56.8 MPa), with statistical significance (p<0.05) compared to the 1.5% and 2.0% groups (45.26 and 40.65 MPa). Regarding the modulus of elasticity, the 1.0% group presented the highest value (1.15 GPa), while the 0.5% group obtained 0.98 GPa, showing significant statistical differences (p<0.05) between the groups. In terms of impact resistance, the 0.5% and 2.0% groups exhibited the highest resistance, differing significantly from the 1.0% and 1.5% groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Niobium pentoxide improved the properties of PMMA in this study, proving to be a viable alternative for the development of denture bases.