Effect of Incorporation of Nanoclay on the Properties of Heat Cure Denture Base Material: An In vitro Study

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of incorporation of organically modified nanoclay in 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight on the flexural strength, surface hardness, and linear polymerization shrinkage of heat cure denture base material. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty specimens of heat-polymerized acrylic resin were fabricated. The specimens were divided into four groups (n = 10) coded I to IV. Group I was the control group (unmodified acrylic resin specimens). The specimens of the remaining three groups were reinforced with nanoclay (organically modified montmorillonite) nanoparticles to achieve loadings of 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight. The resulting nanocomposites were subjected to mechanical testing and were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. Results: The statistical analysis showed that there was no significant increase in flexural strength within and between the groups. The most significant increase in surface hardness was observed between Group I (control) and Group II (1% nanoclay). Linear polymerization shrinkage of the specimens showed a significant decrease in the control and all the experimental groups. Conclusion: Addition of 1 wt% nanoclay to polymethyl methacrylate heat cure denture base material could enhance the surface hardness and reduce the linear polymerization shrinkage of the resin. However, there was no significant increase in flexural strength of the resulting nanocomposite.