Effect of Alumina Addition on Properties of Poly - methyl methacrylate - A Comprehensive Review

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is one of the most widely used materials in prosthetic dentistry. Since it was introduced to dentistry, it has been successfully used in construction of denture bases. Acrylic resins have been successful as denture bases because of their ease of processing, low cost, light weight, and colour matching ability,however, acrylic resin denture base materials are low in strength, brittle, and low in thermal conductivity. Various methods to strengthen acrylic resin have been suggested. However, reinforcement methods should not have adverse effects on the other properties of denture materials. Although often overlooked, the heat transfer characteristics of the denture base material may be an important factor in determining patient satisfaction. In literature, few attempts have been made to develop acrylic resins that not only possess improved mechanical properties but also an overall improvement in the physical properties like thermal diffusivity, hardness, surface roughness and water sorption without negatively affecting each other. The incorporation of ceramic particles in various dental materials has been studied and found to be biocompatible, and it also improves mechanical properties. In addition, the white colour of the ceramic powder is not expected to compromise aesthetic appearances. Aluminium oxide (Al2O3), commonly referred to as alumina, possesses strong ionic interatomic bonding, giving rise to its desirable material characteristics. Its high hardness, excellent dielectric properties, refractoriness, and good thermal properties make it the material of choice for a wide range of applications. The aim of the present article is to review the effect of addition of alumina on various physical, mechanical and thermal properties of acrylic resins. Keywords—Alumina,acrylic,ceramic,denturebase,Polymethylmethacrylate,reinforcement,resin.