Water Absorption  of (Poly MethylMethacrylate) / Hydroxyapatite Denture Base Composite Material (Effect of Filler Loading)

Jamal Moammar Aldabib

doi:10.33214/78gza698

Authors

Jamal Moammar Aldabib Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Bani Waleed University, Bani Walid, Libya Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33214/78gza698

Keywords:

Acrylic Denture Base, Hydroxyapatite, PMMA/HA, Water Absorption, Degradation

Abstract

Water absorption is the primary factor driving the degradation of dental polymers and resin-based composites in the oral environment. Water acts as a plasticiser and a solvent, causing hydrolytic degradation that leads to the weakening, softening, and long-term failure of restorations. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the water absorption of PMMA/HA composite as a function of different HA loadings. The water absorption test was carried out according to ISO 1567-2001 specifications. Water absorption of PMMA/HA composites was influenced by the filler content and the interfacial coupling between the HA and the PMMA matrix. Water absorption for all formulations generally increases with higher exposure time, reaching higher values in the first 7–14 days (faster absorption) and continuing to increase, albeit at a reduced, slower rate, between 14–28 days as the material approaches saturation. Within the limitations of the current study, it can be said that lower HA loadings provide better resistance to water-induced degradation than higher loadings, which may cause filler agglomeration and increased porosity.

REFERENCES

Al-Maharma, A. Y., & Al-Huniti, N. (2019). Critical review of the parameters affecting the effectiveness of moisture absorption treatments used for natural composites. Journal of Composites Science, 3(1), 27.

Al-Mufti, S. M., Almontasser, A., & Rizvi, S. J. (2023). Unsaturated polyester resin filled with cementitious materials: a comprehensive study of filler loading impact on mechanical properties, microstructure, and water absorption. ACS omega, 8(23), 20389-20403.

Aldabib, J. (2020). Reinforcement of poly (methyl methacrylate) denture base material. Dental and Medical Journal-Review, 2(2), 46-53.

Aldabib, J. M. (2025). The Effect of Planetary Ball Milling Technique on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Reinforced Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) Denture Base. Medical Technology Journal of Applied Science, 46-53.

Aldabıb, J. M. Effect of silane coupling agent content on mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite/poly (methyl methacrylate) denture base composite. JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES, 5(1), 37-45.

Aldabib, J. M., & Ishak, Z. A. M. (2020). Effect of hydroxyapatite filler concentration on mechanical properties of poly (methyl methacrylate) denture base. SN Applied Sciences, 2(4), 732.

Aldabib, J. M., & Ishak, Z. A. M. (2021). Fracture Toughness of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate)/Hydroxyapatite Denture Base Composite: Effect of Planetary Ball Milling Mixing Time. Journal of Physical Science, 32(3), 103-116.

Ali Sabri, B., Satgunam, M., Abreeza, N., & N. Abed, A. (2021). A review on enhancements of PMMA denture base material with different nano-fillers. Cogent Engineering, 8(1), 1875968.

Alqutaibi, A. Y., Baik, A., Almuzaini, S. A., Farghal, A. E., Alnazzawi, A. A., Borzangy, S., . . . Zafar, M. S. (2023). Polymeric denture base materials: a review. Polymers, 15(15), 3258.

Amin, F., Fareed, M. A., Zafar, M. S., Khurshid, Z., Palma, P. J., & Kumar, N. (2022). Degradation and stabilization of resin-dentine interfaces in polymeric dental adhesives: an updated review. Coatings, 12(8), 1094.

Antonucci, J. M., Dickens, S. H., Fowler, B. O., Xu, H. H., & McDonough, W. G. (2005). Chemistry of silanes: interfaces in dental polymers and composites. Journal of research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 110(5), 541.

Babeer, W. A. (2025). Fracture toughness of three-dimensional printed and milled denture bases. PLoS One, 20(8), e0329556.

Bettencourt, A. F., Neves, C. B., de Almeida, M. S., Pinheiro, L. M., e Oliveira, S. A., Lopes, L. P., & Castro, M. F. (2010). Biodegradation of acrylic based resins: A review. Dental Materials, 26(5), e171-e180.

Bettencourta, A. F., Neves, C., de Almeida, M., Pinheiro, L., Oliveira, S., Lopes, L., & Castro, M. (2010). Biodegradation of acrylic based resins: A review. Dent. Mater, 26, 171-180.

Billingham, N., Knight, B., Garside, P., & Mills, D. (2023). Polymers and Their Degradation. In Conservation of Books (pp. 385-416): Routledge.

Čekalović Agović, S., Klarić, E., Ivanišević, A., Soče, M., Grego, T., & Radin Nujić, I. (2025). Water Absorption and Solubility of Fluoride-Based Restorative Materials Exposed to Ionizing Radiation. Polymers, 17(20), 2736.

Cervino, G., Cicciù, M., Herford, A. S., Germanà, A., & Fiorillo, L. (2020). Biological and chemo-physical features of denture resins. Materials, 13(15), 3350.

Chen, H., Wang, R., Qian, L., Ren, Q., Jiang, X., & Zhu, M. (2018). Dental restorative resin composites: modification technologies for the matrix/filler interface. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 303(10), 1800264.

Chen, S., Arola, D., Ricucci, D., Bergeron, B. E., Branton, J. A., Gu, L.-s., & Tay, F. R. (2023). Biomechanical perspectives on dentine cracks and fractures: implications in their clinical management. Journal of dentistry, 130, 104424.

Chojnowska, S., Baran, T., Wilińska, I., Sienicka, P., Cabaj-Wiater, I., & Knaś, M. (2018). Human saliva as a diagnostic material. Advances in medical sciences, 63(1), 185-191.

Coca-Gonzalez, M., & Jimenez-Martinez, M. (2025). Warpage: Causes, manufacturing processes and future challenges: A review. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications, 239(6), 1201-1217.

Demir, H., Murat Dogan, O., & Dogan, A. (2010). Water sorption of denture base resin reinforced with different fibres. Materials Research Innovations, 14(4), 332-337.

Drummond, J. L. (2008). Degradation, fatigue, and failure of resin dental composite materials. Journal of dental research, 87(8), 710-719.

Durkan, R. K., Oezdemir, T., Pamir, A. D., & Usanmaz, A. (2010). Water absorption of two different denture base resins reinforced with dental fiber systems. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 117(3), 1750-1753.

Gauthier, R., Abouelleil, H., Boussès, Y., Brulat-Bouchard, N., Colon, P., Chenal, J.-M., . . . Grosgogeat, B. (2023). Experimental investigation of dental composites degradation after early water exposure. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 145(5), 051001.

Guo, X., Yu, Y., Gao, S., Zhang, Z., & Zhao, H. (2022). Biodegradation of dental resin-based composite—A potential factor affecting the bonding effect: A narrative review. Biomedicines, 10(9), 2313.

Halib, N., Perrone, F., Cemazar, M., Dapas, B., Farra, R., Abrami, M., . . . Pozzato, G. (2017). Potential applications of nanocellulose-containing materials in the biomedical field. Materials, 10(8), 977.

Hanno, K. I., & Metwally, N. A. (2024). The wettability of complete denture base materials constructed by conventional versus digital techniques: an in-vitro study. BMC Oral Health, 24(1), 1081.

Hany, R. A., & Habib, A. (2022). Polymers degradation. Biomaterials Journal, 1(11), 47-60.

Kim, Y.-H., Kwon, D., & Lee, S. (1994). KIC modelling for a critical strain criterion involving the stress triaxiality effect. Acta metallurgica et materialia, 42(6), 1887-1891.

Lacoste-Ferré, M.-H., Demont, P., Dandurand, J., Dantras, E., Duran, D., & Lacabanne, C. (2011). Dynamic mechanical properties of oral mucosa: comparison with polymeric soft denture liners. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 4(3), 269-274.

Lakhyani, R., & Wagdargi, S. S. (2012). Saliva and its importance in complete denture prosthodontics. Natl J Integr Res Med, 3(1), 139-146.

Lau, K., Vaughan, A., Chen, G., Hosier, I., & Holt, A. (2013). On the dielectric response of silica-based polyethylene nanocomposites. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 46(9), 095303.

MAROM, G. (1989). Environmental effects on fracture mechanical properties of polymer composites. In Composite Materials Series (Vol. 6, pp. 397-424): Elsevier.

Moghbelli, E., Banyay, R., & Sue, H.-J. (2014). Effect of moisture exposure on scratch resistance of PMMA. Tribology International, 69, 46-51.

N’diaye, M., Pascaretti-Grizon, F., Massin, P., Baslé, M. F., & Chappard, D. (2012). Water absorption of poly (methyl methacrylate) measured by vertical interference microscopy. Langmuir, 28(31), 11609-11614.

Qiao, Y., Zhang, Z.-X., & Zhang, S. (2023). An Experimental Study of the Relation between Mode I Fracture Toughness, KIc, and Critical Energy Release Rate, GIc. Materials, 16(3), 1056.

Ritchie, R., Gilbert, C., & McNaney, J. (2000). Mechanics and mechanisms of fatigue damage and crack growth in advanced materials. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 37(1-2), 311-329.

Sahu, P., & Gupta, M. (2022). Water absorption behavior of cellulosic fibres polymer composites: A review on its effects and remedies. Journal of Industrial Textiles, 51(5_suppl), 7480S-7512S.

Saini, R. S., Vaddamanu, S. K., Dermawan, D., Mosaddad, S. A., & Heboyan, A. (2024). Investigating the role of temperature and moisture on the degradation of 3D-printed polymethyl methacrylate dental materials through molecular dynamics simulations. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 26079.

Sasaki, H., Hamanaka, I., Takahashi, Y., & Kawaguchi, T. (2016). Effect of long-term water immersion or thermal shock on mechanical properties of high-impact acrylic denture base resins. Dental materials journal, 35(2), 204-209.

Shirangi, M., & Michel, B. (2010). Mechanism of moisture diffusion, hygroscopic swelling, and adhesion degradation in epoxy molding compounds. In Moisture sensitivity of plastic packages of IC Devices (pp. 29-69): Springer.

Sideridou, I. D., & Karabela, M. M. (2009). Effect of the amount of 3-methacyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane coupling agent on physical properties of dental resin nanocomposites. Dental Materials, 25(11), 1315-1324.

Singh, M. (2019). The Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Nanoparticles of Titanium Dioxide, Zirconium Oxide & Fibers of Glass and Nylon on the Flexural Strength of Conventional Heat Cured Polymethyl Methacrylate Denture Base Resin–An in Vitro Study. Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (India),

Söderholm, K.-J. (2012). Fracture of dental materials. Applied fracture mechanics: InTech, 109-142.

Söderholm, K.-J. M. (1984). Hydrolytic degradation of dental composites and effects of silane-treatment and filler fraction on compressive strength and thermal expansion of composites. Umeå universitet,

Šupová, M., Martynková, G. S., & Barabaszová, K. (2011). Effect of nanofillers dispersion in polymer matrices: a review. Science of Advanced Materials, 3(1), 1-25.

Tham, W., Chow, W., & Ishak, Z. M. (2010). Simulated body fluid and water absorption effects on poly (methyl methacrylate)/hydroxyapatite denture base composites. Express Polymer Letters, 4(9).

Toriello, M., Afsari, M., Shon, H. K., & Tijing, L. D. (2020). Progress on the fabrication and application of electrospun nanofiber composites. Membranes, 10(9), 204.

Yao, X., Yang, X., Lu, Y., Qiu, Y., & Zeng, Q. (2024). Review of the synthesis and degradation mechanisms of some biodegradable polymers in natural environments. Polymers, 17(1), 66.