Denture base poly(methyl methacrylate) reinforced with SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃: Structural, morphological and mechanical analysis

Abstract This study presented the use of SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃ nanoparticles for the reinforcement of dental poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to enhance its mechanical properties important for everyday use of denture base materials. The average crystallite size of prepared nanoparticles was 19.9 nm. The influence of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃ loading on absorbed impact energy, microhardness and tensile properties was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy of the composite fracture surface revealed multiple toughening mechanisms, with agglomerates directly included in the crack pinning, indicating improvement in mechanical performance. Dynamic mechanical analysis proved that agglomerates improved the elastic behavior of PMMA and confirmed the absence of a residual monomer. After the incorporation of SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃, the mechanical properties of composites showed a high increase compared to neat PMMA. The optimal concentration of nanoparticles was 1 wt%, for which the microhardness, modulus of elasticity, and absorbed impact energy were higher by 218.4%, 65.8% and 135.6%, respectively. With such a high increase, this research showed that SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃ represents an efficient filler which use does not have to be limited to dental materials. Highlights SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃ hybrid nanoparticles were prepared. PMMA‐SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃ composite showed increase in impact resistance up to 135.4%. Elastic behavior of PMMA was improved. With 1 wt% of SrTiO₃/Y₂O₃, microhardness increased by 218.4%.