Development of nanocomposites for 3D prototyping of dental device

Abstract

The incorporation of graphene and montmorillonite clay (MMT30B) nanoparticles into photopolymerizable liquid acrylic resins for the fabrication of temporary crowns via 3D printing was evaluated. A slight color change was observed by incorporating 0.0025% graphene, which is acceptable for dental applications. The resin containing 0.0125% graphene exhibited superior abrasion resistance, with a lower mass loss (approximately 10% less than that of the neat resin). Resins containing 0.0125% graphene and 0.0125% MMT30B demonstrated higher compressive strength and elastic modulus, as well as an increase in Shore D hardness (average value of 83). Nanocomposites containing 0.05% and 0.10% graphene exhibited degradation onset temperatures of 274°C and 271°C, respectively. When combined with MMT30B, the nanocomposites with 0.0025%, 0.05%, and 0.10% nanofiller content showed onset temperatures of 268°C, 276°C, and 275°C, respectively—all higher than that of the neat resin (264°C). Thermal expansion was reduced to 0.12% in resins with 0.0125% graphene and 0.10% MMT30B, compared to 0.15% in the neat resin. However, the addition of nanofillers decreased the stiffness of the material. In conclusion, the nanocomposites obtained through the addition of graphene and MMT30B exhibited significant potential for dental applications.