Wear behavior of new biomaterial composite for dental application

The current study examines the tribological performance of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) reinforced with Salvadora persica ( S. persica) powder and hydroxyapatite (HAP). This composite was selected to be used in dental application. Different percentages of S. persica were employed to enhance bioactivity and antibacterial properties. However, HAP was used to improve the wear performance of the composite. Friction response was investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, Vickers hardness, pin-on-disc tribometer, and 2-D profilometer. Both wear volume and friction coefficient were investigated, especially when changing the percentage of S. persica and HAP fillers. Moreover, the morphologies of the wear track were examined by the SEM, the wear mechanisms are discussed, and the phenomenon of stick-slip is shown. The main results revealed that the composition (70% PMMA + 20% S. persica + 10% HAP) has the best wear resistance.