Synthesis, structural and mechanical properties of gelatin-based nanocomposites with zinc oxide for use in dentistry

Abstract

In this paper, the composites with the matrix of gelatin (GA) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) blend with nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) were prepared. In order to improve the mechanical properties, the samples were cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GTA). The processing was carried out by the solution casting method, and the influence of cross-linking and nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of the obtained composites was investigated. FTIR analysis confirmed the cross-linking of the polymer matrix and that no chemical bond was formed during processing between the polymer matrix and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Examination of the mechanical properties showed that the cross-linking and addition of 1 wt% zinc oxide increased tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, hardness and reduced modulus of elasticity.

Keywords

• gelatin
• zinc oxide
• nanocomposite
• tensile test
• microindentation