Mechanical and tribological properties of barium titanate-PMMA nanocomposites for dental fillings

Abstract

Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a polymer used in the dental industry, specifically in denture base and provisional restorative resin, due to its good aesthetic properties, biocompatibility, and processing. However, its clinical performance is usually compromised by lack of mechanical strength and resistance to wear. Over the past few years, there has been a widespread research on the use of ceramic nanoparticles as an effective method to improve mechanical and functional performance of PMMA-based dental composites. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the tribological and mechanical performance of BaTiO3-PMMA nanocomposites with the synthesis of quantitative data, which was supported by a systematic review of the available experimental literature on the subject. A total of 23 in vitro studies published in 2016-2025 based on pre-determined eligibility criteria were included. The results under study included flexural strength, surface hardness, elastic modulus, compressive strength, wear rate, and coefficient of friction. The quantitative analysis performed by applying proper statistical pooling techniques revealed that the reinforced with BaTiO3 was constantly correlated with statistically significant rises in the mechanical properties and declines in the wear-related parameters in comparison with the unmodified PMMA.

These improvements were most so in low loadings of nanoparticles, especially at 5 wt. and below. There was moderate heterogeneity between the studies included, which was mainly due to variation in filler concentration, functionalization of particles and methodology of fabrication. In general, it can be concluded that the results imply that nanocomposites of BaTiO 3 and PMMA experience an increase of the mechanical integrity and tribological stability in comparison to the conventional PMMA, which is why they could be implemented in the development of high-technology dental prosthetic and restorative materials.