Effect of adding copper oxide nanoparticles on tensile strength and elongation percentage of self-cure soft liners used in prosthodontics

Even though polymers are the primary material used in soft liners because of compatibility, chemical inactivity, and easy usage, several properties deteriorate with time and usage, rendering replacement of prostheses unavoidable (every 6—12 months). Multiple studies have been conducted to improve the properties of soft liners, such as tear and tensile strengths, and to retain these properties as long as possible to withstand aging and disinfection. Aim of study: Evaluating the influence of adding copper oxide (II) CuO nanoparticles (40 nm) to the soft liner on tensile strength and elongation percentage. Materials and methods. Nano-CuO in 1% (wt.) was selected to be added to the self-cured soft liner. A total of 40 specimens were qualified according to the manufacturer and standardization; 20 specimens were tested for the control group, 20 for the modified one, 10 for the tensile strength test, and 10 for the elongation percentage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to check whether a chemical interaction would occur between the nano-CuO and the soft liner. Results. The average value of tensile strength of soft liner was recorded to be 1.437 MPa before the addition of nano-CuO soft liner, and it was recorded to be 1.808 MPa after enforcement, a significant difference between groups before and after the addition of nano-CuO (p=0.023). The elongation percentage of the liner had a mean value of 461%. The non-significant decrease was documented (p=0.912). The tensile strength was significantly improved, while the elongation percentage was non-significantly decreased. Conclusion. Incorporating CuO nanoparticles into the soft liner had increased the tensile strength and decreased the elongation percentage. There was no chemical interaction between the nano powder and the soft liner (only physical dispersion).