Comparative Analysis of Polyether Ether Ketone and Aluminum Oxide Fillers in Reinforcing Poly(methyl methacrylate) Denture Base Resin: an experimental study

Abstract

Background: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used for denture bases due to its better handling and esthetic, but its inherent brittleness and limited strength leads to fractures. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the addition of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) fillers in enhancing the mechanical properties of PMMA denture bases. Methods: This experimental study was conducted at de’ Montmorency College of Dentistry and PCSIR research laboratory from August 2024 to December 2024. The samples were prepared with 5% and 15% concentrations of PEEK and Al2O3 fillers (A total of 60 samples were distributed into five groups: Group A (Control), Group B (5% Al2O3), Group C (15% Al2O3), Group D (5% PEEK), and Group E (15% PEEK). The flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness tests were performed. Data was analyzed using SPSS v20 and compared using one-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc Tukey test, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05 Results: The incorporation of fillers significantly improved the mechanical properties. The 5% PEEK group showed highest flexural strength (125.7 MPa), while the 5% Al2O3 group showed a significant improvement at 80.1 MPa. The 5% Al2O3 showed highest impact strength (0.266 J), followed by the 5% PEEK group (0.236 J). The 15% PEEK group reported highest hardness (82.1 Shore D). Conclusion: All experimental groups outperformed the control in mechanical properties. PEEK and Al2O3 fillers significantly enhance the mechanical properties PMMA denture bases, with 5% PEEK showed the most significant improvements.

Keywords

• Aluminum Oxide
• Denture Base
• Mechanical Properties
• PEEK
• PMMA