The use of different alumina fillers for improvement of the mechanical properties of hybrid PMMA composites

Summary

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is widely used but relatively brittle, so reinforcing it with stiff ceramic fillers is a common way to improve its mechanical performance. This study compares different alumina (Al₂O₃) fillers — including alumina particles and electrospun alumina nanofibres — incorporated into PMMA to form hybrid composites, and evaluates how each filler type affects the mechanical properties. By combining a hard ceramic phase with the polymer matrix, and in some configurations layering particle-reinforced matrix with fibrous reinforcement, the authors aim to raise hardness and stiffness while retaining toughness. The composites were characterised mechanically and microstructurally to relate filler type, content and dispersion to the resulting properties, guiding the design of alumina-reinforced PMMA for structural and dental-type applications.

Authors & Affiliations

• Faisal Ali Alzarrug

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Marija M. Dimitrijević

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Radmila M. Jančić Heinemann

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Vesna Radojević

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Dušica B. Stojanović

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Petar S. Uskoković

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Radoslav Aleksić

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Topics

Materials

Linari Electrospinning Systems