A comparison of the effect of different forms of Graphene and Polyvinylpyrrolidone on physically strengthening PMMA

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of powder, mat, and sheet forms of graphene and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the bending strength of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Methodology: A total of 75 PMMA samples (64 x 13 x 3 mm) were obtained and separated into five groups of 15, one of which was the control group. No strengthening material was added to the control group samples. In the PMMA+Polyvinylpyrrolidone powder (PVPP) (Group B) and PMMA+Graphene powder (GP) groups (Group D), PVP (0.5%) and graphene (0.01%) powders, respectively were added to the PMMA. In the PMMA+Polyvinylpryrolidone fiber mat (PVPM) (Group C) and PMMA+Graphene sheet (GS) groups (Group E), a PVP mat and graphene sheet, respectively were placed in the center of a square PMMA resin mold. To measure the samples’ resistance to bending, the three-point bending test (ISO 1567) was applied. Fracture lines were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and bending strength was analyzed using one- way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: A statistically significant difference was determined between the GS (118.5093 ± 11.94859 Mpa) and PVPP (105.5267 ± 6.80595 Mpa) groups. The mean bending resistance values were numerically higher in the PVPM (115.8487 ± 17.15440), GS (118.5093 ± 11.94859), and GP (116.2680 ± 16.03207) groups compared to the control group (108.2407 ± 24.23104). The graphene sheets and PVP mats showed higher resistance to bending than the powder form of either material. Conclusion: In clinical dental prosthesis use, PVP mats and graphene sheets are preferable with respect to both PMMA strengthening and col