Effect of nano SiO2 treatment on surface roughness of modified acetal and polyamide thermoplastic partial denture clasp materials

This in-vitro study aimed to investigate the effect of nano SiO2 coating on the surface roughness of E. glass fibres reinforced acetal and polyamide thermoplastic resin partial denture clasp materials. 144 thermoplastic disk specimens were fabricated using two material groups, acetal (n=72) and polyamide (n=72). Each of these two material groups was further divided into three subgroups (n=24/subgroup), namely 1: unmodified (control), 2: internally E. glass fibres reinforced, and 3: externally nano SiO2 coated with internally E. glass fibres reinforced. Alicona non-touch profilometer was used to measure the surface roughness of all test specimens. Control and E. glass fibres reinforced of acetal and polyamide resin subgroups showed the highest mean surface roughness; (Ra= 0.181 μm, 0.111μm) respectively. In the third subgroup, the acetal resin showed slightly higher surface roughness than the polyamide resin group; (Ra= 0.1114μm, 0.1113μm) respectively at (P=0.838). Utilization of nano SiO2 coating on acetal and polyamide thermoplastic partial denture clasp materials can significantly enhance their surface properties, resulting in improved surface roughness. This novel technique stands as a promising external approach for ameliorating the performance of these materials.