The effect of thermocycling and different pH of artificial saliva on the impact and transverse strength of heat cure resin reinforced with silanated ZrO2 nano-fillers.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermo cycling and different pH of artificial saliva (neutral, acidic, basic) on impact and transverse strength of heat cure acrylic resin reinforced of with 5% silanated ZrO2 nano fillers. Materials and methods: 120 samples were prepared, 60 samples for impact strength test and another 60 samples for transverse strength test, for each test, samples were divided into two major groups (before and after thermo cycling), then each of these major groups were further subdivided into 3 subgroups according to the pH of prepared artificial saliva (neutral, acidic, basic). Charpy impact device was used for impact strength test and Flexural device was used for transverse strength test. Result: There was a non-significant difference between the two major groups (before and after thermo cycling). Also results showed that there was a non-significant difference between the subgroups for each major group in reference to pH of artificial saliva. These results were found in both impact and transverse strength. Conclusion Transverse strength and impact strength of heat cure acrylic resin reinforced with silanated ZrO2 nanofillers was not affected by thermocycling and different PH of artificial saliva suggesting improvement in the mechanical properties.