Mechanical and thermal properties of denture PMMA reinforced with silanized aluminum borate whiskers

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical and thermal properties of denture polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) reinforced with aluminum borate whiskers (ABWs). To improve bonding between ABWs and PMMA matrix, the surface of ABWs was modified with a silane coupling agent. Varied contents of silanized ABWs —ranging between 1 and 20 wt%— were mixed into the PMMA resin matrix to prepare ABW/PMMA composites, which were subjected to three-point bending test, Vickers hardness test, and thermal analysis. Silanized ABWs improved the flexural strength, surface hardness, and thermal stability of PMMA. Optimal amount of ABWs in the PMMA matrix was 5 wt%, which provided the ABW/PMMA with maximum reinforcement.