Reinforcing dental restoration material PMMA with SS 316L nanoparticles for mechanical performance analysis

To evaluate the performance of adding stainless steel of grade 316L (SS 316L) nanoparticles to 3D-printable poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin that can be usable for provisional dental restorations. In addition, it will be assessed how much the addition of SS 316L nanoparticles may affect the printed composite’s mechanical and physical characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to analyze the dispersion of SS 316L nanoparticles. SS 316L nanoparticles in powder form were used as reinforcement material to three dimensional (3D) printable dental resin in concentrations ranging from 0 to 1.5 weight percent. Various mechanical tests and microscopic approaches were used to assess the structure and physical/mechanical characteristics of produced nanocomposites. The nanocomposite developed with the incorporation of SS 316L nanoparticle was effective, and the resulting composites were more ductile. The maximum degree of conversion was seen with the addition of nanoparticles in a range of 0.9–1.2 wt% in parent resin. However, 1.2 wt% suggested significant dissolution and the maximum flexural and compressive strength. Impact strength demonstrated an asymmetrical behavior with the addition of filler content, but the specific wear rate reduced gradually with an increase in filler content. Furthermore, 0.9 wt% demonstrated the maximum hardness. The findings revealed that the newly created 3D-printed nanocomposites containing SS 316L nanoparticles had the potential and effectiveness as long-term temporary dental restorative materials.