Comparative study of the flexural strength of high impact denture base resins reinforced by silver nanoparticles and e-glass fibres: An in-vitro study

Introduction: In spite of being proven a promising material of choice as a denture base material, the fracture resistance of conventional poly methyl methacrylate could be enhanced. Aim: This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate and compare the flexural strengths of three types of commercially available heat cure, high impact denture base resins reinforced with either silver nanoparticles or E-glass fibres. Materials and Methods: Three commercially available heat cures, high impact denture base resins (Trevalon HI- Dentsply, Acryl H - PyraxPolymars and Acralyn H - Asian Acrylates) were selected for the study. The three types of resins were further subdivided into three subgroups (Control group, Resin incorporated with 0.5% silver nanoparticles and Resin incorporated with 2% E-glass fibres) of 10 samples each achieving a total of 90 samples. The samples were subjected to a 3-point bending test for evaluation of flexural strength. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Acralyn H resin group showed the highest result for mean flexural strength for all the three subgroups. There was an increase in the flexural strength of Trevalon HI and Acralyn H resin groups on addition of either silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) or E-glass fibres (p<0.05), but a decrease in flexural strength on addition of AgNPs to Acryl H resin group and negligible change on addition of E-glass fibres. Difference in flexural strength between the three types of materials was observed but there was no significant difference in between the subgroups of each type of denture base resin except type 2 (Trevalon HI- Dentsply) where a significant change was observed. Conclusion: The addition of E-glass fibres or silver nanoparticles causes a change in flexural properties of high impact, heat cure denture base resins. However, the change in mechanical properties is highly dependent on the brand of material used.