Flexural properties of rapidly prototyped denture base materials: the effect of nanoparticle addition and post-curing duration in vitro.

Objectives: The flexural strength and elastic modulus of rapidly prototyped denture base materials are affected by numerous factors including reinforcement with nanoparticles (NPs) and post-curing duration (PCD), though the effect of these two factors together has been overlooked. The present study tested the effect of nanodiamonds (NDs) or silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SNPs) with various PCDs on the flexural strength and elastic modulus of rapidly prototyped denture base materials.

Methods: To measure the flexural strength and elastic modulus, bar-shaped specimens (64 × 10 × 3.3 mm) were designed and rapidly prototyped using ASIGA and NextDent denture base resins. Each resin (N = 150) was divided into five groups (n = 30) according to NP type and concentrations: pure group as a control without additives, 0.25% NDs, 0.5% NDs, 0.25% SNPs, and 0.5% SNPs. Specimens from each group were further divided into three groups (n = 10) and post-cured for 15, 60, or 90 min, followed by thermocycling for 5,000 cycles. After measuring the flexural strength and elastic modulus using a three-point bending test, a scanning electron microscope was used to analyze the fractured surface. The bonds between the NPs and the resin were tested by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. ANOVA and post hoc tests were used for data analysis (α = 0.05).

Results: The flexural strength increased with prolonged PCD and the highest values for all tested groups were reported at 90 min (P < 0.001). The flexural strength of both materials increased significantly with the addition of NDs and SNPs in comparison to the pure groups (P < 0.05). K-factor ANOVA analysis of the elastic modulus showed that each factor (NP type, PCD, and material type) had a significant effect on the elastic modulus (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The flexural strength and elastic modulus of rapidly prototyped denture base resin were increased with the addition of NDs or SNPs and when increasing the PCD. Factors including nanoparticle type and concentration, the post-curing duration, and the material type solely or in combination could affect the flexural strength and elastic modulus of prototyped denture base materials.