PPK to enter dental technology sector

Advanced materials group PPK has entered the dental technology market with a new joint venture that will develop boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) for new dental nanocomposites.

PPK is partnering with a leading aesthetic dentist and Geelong’s Deakin University to develop a range of new materials with superior physical properties and aesthetic values.

This is the third industry venture between Deakin and PPK, formally Plaspak Group, which manufactures mining equipment and is commercialising BNNTs which are stronger than high-strength steel.

The venture will incorporate BNNTs, which have superior mechanical properties, into materials to be used by a traditional global industry worth more than US$4.6 billion annually.

The dental partner is Dr David Nunn, CEO of DD Technologies Pty Ltd.

The venture will develop new nanocomposites of zirconia, lithium disilicate and composite resins which are used for veneers, crowns and bridges.

Nunn said materials such as BNNT and technologies such as additive manufacturing offered significant advancements in dentistry.

“This BNNT application project has the potential to be the holy grail of ceramic materials with enhanced mechanical and optical properties providing superior longevity.

“Successful use of these nanocomposites and potentially with 3D printing fabrication will reduce complexity, costs and significantly reduce the potential fr failure.”

Picture: BNNT

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