In Vitro Mechanical Properties of a Novel Graphene-Reinforced PMMA-Based Dental Restorative Material

Recent studies suggest that the incorporation of graphene in resin-based dental materials might enhance their mechanical properties and even decrease their degree of contraction during polymerization. The present study aimed at comparing the three-point flexural strength (FS), the compressive strength (CS), and the Vickers hardness (VH) of a CAD/CAM poly-methylmethacrylate (PMMA)-based resin, a recently introduced graphene-reinforced CAD/CAM PMMA-based resin (G-PMMA), and a conventional dental bis-acryl composite resin (BACR). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected among the materials in terms of flexural strength. On the other hand, a mean flexural modulus value of 9920.1 MPa was recorded in BACR group, significantly higher compared to the flexural modulus detected for G-PMMA (2670.2 MPa) and for conventional PMMA (2505.3) (p < 0.05). In terms of compressive modulus (MPa) and compressive strength (MPa), BACR was significantly stiffer than PMMA and G-PMMA. Concerning VH measurements, a significantly increased hardness emerged comparing the BACR group (VH 98.19) to both PMMA and G-PMMA groups (VH 34.16 and 34.26, respectively). Based on the finding of the present study, the graphene-reinforced (PMMA)-based polymer herein tested was not superior to the conventional PMMA and seemed not able to be considered as an alternative material for permanent restorations, at least in terms of hardness and mechanical response to compressive stress. More research on the mechanical/biological properties of G-PMMAs (and on graphene as a filler) seems still necessary to better clarify their potential as dental restorative materials.