Mechanical Characterization of Antibacterial Dental Composite PMMA with Nano-particles of the S. Persica Extract and Hydroxyapatite as Fillers

The current study examines the mechanical behavior, specifically focusing on the compressive strength, the bending strength, and the bending modulus of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) reinforced with the extract of Salvadora persica (S. persica) and the hydroxyapatite (HA). The elaborated composite was designated for use in dental applications (dental restoration and dental prosthesis). Different percentages of S. persica extract nanoparticles and/or HA microparticles were employed to enhance the antibacterial and the mechanical properties, respectively. Compressive strength, bending strength, and bending modulus were investigated using a universal mechanical testing machine. The main results revealed that the optimum percentage of HA reinforcement was 10%. Additionally, the integration of 10% S. persica extract slightly improved these mechanical properties; however, a 20% concentration reduced them. Regarding the hybrid composite, the addition of fillers generally decreased the mechanical properties. As a consequence, the composition (90% PMMA + 10% S. persica extract) exhibited the best antibacterial activity and mechanical properties.