Effect of electrical grade glass fibres and silver nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of provisional PMMA material

The use of provisional crowns and bridges rendered the necessary care for the prepared teeth. The protection of the prepared tooth is one of the most important factors in the long-term success of fixed dental prosthesis. Temporary crowns and bridges for longer periods of use are most often made of acrylic material. Unfortunately, it does not have the appropriate mechanical properties or resistance to microbial colonization Therefore, the purpose is to modify it by adding glass fibers (2% w/w) and silver nanoparticles (0.5% w/w). A total of 160 samples were prepared which were segregated into 4 groups based on the test performed. Each group had 4 subgroups which consisted of samples containing silver nanoparticles (0.5% w/w) and E-glass fiber (2% w/w) mixed with PMMA in their respective concentrations. The samples were then tested for surface roughness, micro-hardness, flexural strength and SEM Analysis. The results of the study showed that there were no effect on the surface roughness values after incorporating silver nanoparticles and E-glass fibers. However, samples containing silver nanoparticles and E-Glass fibre individually had higher values of microhardness and flexural strength than those who had both together. The SEM images showed clumping of silver nanoparticles non-uniform orientation of E-glass fibers. Thus, it can be concluded that silver nanoparticles and E-glass fibre when added separately to PMMA, enhance its mechanical properties. However, better methods of mixing PMMA with silver particles and glass fibers is needed to attain a uniform distribution. Further, the orientation of E-glass fibers could also have an effect on the flexural properties of PMMA.