Abstract
How the particle size and volumetric ratio of silicon carbide (SiC) powder additions will strengthen polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is unclear. The purpose of this in vitro study was to optimize the reinforcement parameters of PMMA with SiC powder by using the Taguchi experimental design method. Particle size, volumetric rate, silane coupling rate, and mixing type were determined as parameters that would affect the reinforcement of PMMA with SiC powder. Using the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, test specimens with different parameter combinations were fabricated and tested. The fracture load (in newtons) of each specimen group was recorded with the 3-point bend test. The thermal conductivity values of 60x50-mm and 3-mm-thick rectangular specimens were measured by using the Linseis THB100 thermal conductivity unit. The thermal diffusivity values were then calculated. Thermal analysis indicated improvement in the thermal conductivity of PMMA after reinforcement with SiC. The maximum thermal diffusivity was obtained with 15% SiC powder by volume. Thermal conductivity and flexural strength increased with an increase in particle size. The maximum flexural strength value was obtained with 5% SiC powder by volume. Increasing the particle size of the filler SiC powder resulted in increased thermal conductivity and flexural strength. Increasing the SiC filler powder by volume increased the thermal conductivity of PMMA but reduced its flexural strength. This study helped determine the optimum conditions for the use of SiC powder. Knowledge of the importance of these variables will help in more effective modification of denture base resin with SiC powder to improve heat transfer without adversely affecting strength.
Highlights
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most widely used complete denture base material 1
Since the bonds in silicon carbide (SiC) are highly covalent, it is more durable than oxide ceramics, has high thermal conductivity and low density, and is very hard and thermally stable
The maximum thermal diffusivity was obtained at the third level of the SiC powder volumetric rate (15%)
Summary
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most widely used complete denture base material 1. As temperature affects taste perception, complete denture users have difficulty tasting food because of the poor thermal conductivity of PMMA 2-4 , which may affect prosthesis satisfaction 5,6. A denture base with high thermal conductivity will improve both tissue health 7 and taste and prevent the patient from rejecting the prosthesis as a foreign body 7-9. Different materials with high thermal conductivity, such as thermally conductive ceramics, may be more suitable than metal powders for increasing the thermal conductivity of PMMA 10,11 . Since ceramic fillers have a low density, they do not significantly increase the weight of the prosthesis 10. Since the bonds in silicon carbide (SiC) are highly covalent, it is more durable than oxide ceramics, has high thermal conductivity and low density, and is very hard and thermally stable. With good biocompatibility and excellent cytocompatibility, it is suitable for use in medical implants and prostheses 13-17
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
