COMPARISON OF SOME MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ADDING ZrO2 NANOPARTICLES TO MICROWAVE-CURED ACRYLIC AND HOT-CURED DENTURE BASE ACRYLIC MATERIALS

Background: The mechanical properties of denture-base acrylic resin have declined over the past decade, it is imperative to take immediate action to investigate alternative possibilities, such as employing metal oxide nanoparticles, which have shown considerable promise in diverse applications in the fields of nanobiotechnology, specifically in biological and health care fields. Aims: Exploring the effect of incorporating zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles into microwave-cured acrylic and hot-cured acrylic denture base materials, on the tensile strength, impact strength and structural chemical changes. Methods: A total of 66 samples were utilized. The manufacturer's instructions have been followed for the production of specimens for each product. The impact of addition 0%, 3% and 5% zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles were examined. Results: Addition of 3% and 5% ZrO2 nanoparticles improved the tensile and impact strengths with no chemical alterations changes with the addition of ZrO2 NPs, with 3% ZrO2 showing a greater enhancement than 5%. Conclusions: Incorporating 3% ZrO2 nanoparticles into both microwave-cured and hot-cured acrylic denture base materials enhances tensile and impact strengths more effectively than 5%, with no chemical changes observed.