Comparison of mechanical and dynamic mechanical behaviors of different dental resins polymerized by different polymerization techniques

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of autoclave polymerization method on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of different polymethylmethacrylate denture base materials.

Materials and Methods: Three different denture materials were used during the study, two of them were heat polymerizable denture base material (Meliodent and Paladent) and one was microwave polymerizable denture base material (Acron MC). Duncan test was used for the statistical analysis. Statistical analyses were completed using a two‑way analysis of variance. Statistical analysis of test results was carried out with a 95% confidence level.

Results: Tensile strength was increased with autoclave polymerization regardless of the denture base material type. Paladent specimens with autoclave polymerization (30 min at 60°C and 10 min at 130°C) have the highest average impact strength value. Acron MC specimens have the highest average flexural strength and modulus. Flexural strength improved with autoclave polymerization for both of 10 and 20 min polymerizations for each of Meliodent and Paladent specimens.

Conclusions: Autoclave polymerization provided higher polymerization temperatures compared with the conventional heat polymerization. Autoclave‑polymerized acrylic resin specimens showed higher tensile strength values; however, this was not the case for the impact test results. Flexural strength of specimens was improved with autoclave polymerization. Glass transition temperature was increased with autoclave polymerization.

Keywords: Autoclave, dental polymers, denture base resin, mechanical properties