Enhancing mechanical performance of 3D printable PMMA resin through strategic incorporation of SS 316 L nanoparticles for dental applications

In the present study, a nano composite PMMA was prepared with the help of hot plate magnetic stirring and probe sonication at different loading conditions of reinforcement material SS 316 L. In order to study the effect of independent factors (the amount of reinforcement material, stirring speed, and sonication time) on response variables, the central composite experimental design of response surface methodology was utilized. The microstructure (surface morphology and topography) was analysed by SEM and AFM, resulting in homogeneous dispersion of nano particles. The analysis of the RSM results indicated that the experimental data were most accurately represented by a quadratic polynomial model, with regression coefficient values exceeding 0.960 for all the responses. The optimum preparation conditions for PMMA nano-composite to achieve the best specific wear rate and compression strength were found to be as follows: the addition of 1.16% (w/w) of reinforcement material SS 316 L, a stirring speed of 1200 rpm, and a sonication time of 29.6 min. The results of this study hold great significance in the fabrication process of long-term provisional dental crowns and bridges.