The effect of the addition of poly(methyl methacrylate) fibres on some properties of high strength heat-cured acrylic resin denture base material

The self-reinforcement of acrylic resin with butadiene styrene surface treated poly(methyl methacrylate) fibres has been reported to have the potential to substantially improve the transverse bend strength of conventional heat-cured acrylic resin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of butadiene styrene surface treated poly(methyl methacrylate) fibres in cross-ply arrangement to high impact acrylic resin on the transverse and impact strength. Specimens were prepared as specified in the International Standard Organization and British Standards for the Testing of Denture Base Resins (ISO 1567, 1988; BS 2487, 1989) and the British Standard Specification for Orthodontic resins (BS 6747, 1987) for transverse bend and impact testing. The impact strength was measured using a Zwick pendulum impact tester and the transverse bend strength measured using a Lloyds Instruments testing machine. The results showed that the impact strength was not improved with the addition of fibres, high impact acrylic resin with fibres (LF) 11.1 kJ m(-2) and high impact acrylic resin (L) (12.5 kJ m(-2)). The modulus of rupture was decreased with the addition of fibres (57.8 MPa) for (LF) compared with (60.4 MPa) for (L). The modulus of elasticity was also reduced with the addition of fibres (1834.9 MPa) (LF) and 2086.2 MPa (L) as was the peak load (LF) (50.8 N) and (L) (55.8 N). It was concluded that the addition of surface treated poly(methyl methacrylate) fibres in cross-ply arrangement to high strength acrylic resin did not produce an improvement in the impact or transverse strength and cannot be recommended as a method of reinforcement.