The influence of titanate coupling agent on the performance of barium titanate/PMMA denture base nanocomposites after SBF storage

Abstract

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/nanobarium titanate (NBT) composite has potential application in denture base materials. The denture base materials should be stable in the wet environment and exhibit good mechanical properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of titanate coupling agent (TCA) on NBT behavior after soaking in the simulated body fluid (SBF) and to determine the effect of SBF exposure on fracture toughness of the PMMA nanocomposites. Silanated (Si-NBT), titanated (Ti-NBT), and pure NBT (Un-NBT) at 5% concentration (by mass) were incorporated in the PMMA matrix. NBT was sonicated in MMA prior to mixing with PMMA. SBF absorption, solubility, and leaching were measured, and fracture toughness of the PMMA nanocomposites was evaluated after soaking. The results showed that Titanated samples displayed lower SBF absorption capability and solubility values than the silanated ones. Moreover, the leachability of filler elements (Ba and Ti) was substantially reduced by titanation (54% and 61%, respectively), whereas the Si-NBT/PMMA revealed values of 12.3% and 7% respectively. Significant differences in fracture toughness were observed among the tested samples after 6 weeks of aging in SBF ( p < 0.05). Although no notable changes in the KIC of pure PMMA and Un-NBT/PMMA samples were detected, KIC was improved by 20% after titanation. In addition, the fracture toughness of the titanated samples was higher than that of the silanated ones by 26%. In conclusion, TCA exhibited better stability in moisture than silane. Degradation resistance to moisture obtained with titanated NBT could lead to the promotion of clinical longevity of the composites.