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Effect of Sol–Gel Derived SiO₂ Nanoparticle Dispersion on the Mechanical Properties of PMMA Composites
Cheng-En Jiang a, Guan-Yu Chen a and Shih-Chen Shi b
aStudent, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 70101 Tainan, Taiwan
bProfessor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 70101 Tainan, Taiwan
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Abstract:
Titanium alloys are commonly used in artificial joint implants due to their excellent mechanical and physical properties; however, long-term implantation can lead to the release of Al and V ions, with vanadium posing toxicity concerns. Titanium alloys also exhibit poor tribological performance, including a high friction coefficient, low wear resistance, and susceptibility to corrosion in body fluids, which can accelerate surface degradation and ultimately contribute to implant failure.
In this study, silica (SiO₂) particles were incorporated into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to improve the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. PMMA/SiO₂ composites were synthesized using the sol–gel method to minimize particle agglomeration and to clarify the effects of particle characteristics on material performance. Silica addition enhanced the elastic modulus and tensile strength, while strain behavior depended on particle size, dispersion, and particle density. Particle dispersion was quantified using the D0.2 parameter derived from Voronoi diagram analysis. Higher D0.2 values indicated improved dispersion and corresponded to enhanced mechanical performance.
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Keywords: Sol–gel process; PMMA composites; SiO2 nanoparticles; Mechanical properties
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©
2026
CSME , ISSN 0257-9731
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