Author(s):
1. Tijana Adamović, Medicinski fakultet Banja Luka , Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Ognjenka Janković, Medicinski fakultet Banja Luka , Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Valentina Veselinović, Medicinski fakultet Banja Luka , Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
4. Nataša Trtić, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banjaluka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
5. Verica Pavlic, Medicinski fakultet Banja Luka , Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
6. Vladan Mirjanić, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
7. Irena Kuzmanovic Radman, University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
8. Adriana Arbutina, Medicinski fakultet Banja Luka , Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
9. Borut Kosec, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Natural Science and Engineering, Slovenia
10. Rebeka Rudolf, University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Slovenia

Abstract:
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most widely used denture base material; however, its relatively low thermal conductivity limits the transmission of thermal stimuli from food and beverages to the underlying oral tissues. Improving the thermal properties of PMMA may enhance thermal perception and contribute to a more natural oral sensory experience for denture wearers. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have attracted considerable interest as functional nanofillers due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential to modify heat-transfer characteristics of polymeric materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of AuNPs incorporation on the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal effusivity of heat-polymerised PMMA denture base resin and to assess the potential implications of these changes for the oral cavity environment. PMMA specimens containing 0 wt.% (Group A), 0.12 wt.% (Group B), 0.43 wt.% (Group C), and 0.74 wt.% (Group D) AuNPs were analysed. Thermal conductivity was measured using a Hot Disk Thermal Constants Analyser (TPS 2200, isotropic standard method); thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity were calculated from the measured thermal conductivity and volumetric specific heat capacity, obtained from the same instrument, using standard thermal physics relations (α = k/ρcp; e = √(kρcp)). Measurements were performed in triplicate series under varying heating power and measurement time settings (30–150 mW; 10–320 s) to ensure methodological robustness. Data were analysed using SPSS, with one-way ANOVA and group comparisons against the control group; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The incorporation of AuNPs resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in all evaluated thermal parameters. Thermal conductivity increased from 0.193 W/mK in the control group to 0.204 W/mK, 0.208 W/mK, and 0.210 W/mK in Groups B, C, and D, respectively. Similarly, estimated thermal diffusivity increased from approximately 0.111 mm²/s in the control group to 0.118, 0.120, and 0.121 mm²/s, while thermal effusivity increased from approximately 578 to 594, 600, and 603 Ws^0.5/m²K, respectively. These findings indicate an enhanced capacity of the nanocomposite materials to conduct, distribute, and exchange thermal energy. Within the limitations of this study, the incorporation of AuNPs improved the thermal properties of PMMA denture base resin. The observed enhancement may facilitate more efficient transmission of thermal stimuli within the oral cavity, potentially improving thermal perception and patient comfort during prosthesis use. AuNP-modified PMMA therefore represents a promising candidate for the development of advanced denture base materials with improved functional performance

Key words:
polymethyl methacrylate,gold nanoparticles,denture base resin,thermal conductivity,thermal diffusivity,thermal effusivity,nanocomposites,oral environment.

Date of abstract submission:
30.06.2026.

Conference:
Contemporary Materials 2026 - Savremeni Materijali

Applied paper from author