JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY THE

Vol. 100 No. 6      DECEMBER - 2008

ISSN: 0022-3913      UBIC: 171

SUMMARY

Statement of problem. Impregnated fibers require light polymerization; however, little information exists about how different protocols might affect the mechanical properties of reinforced denture base materials. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of pre- or postpolymerization of preimpregnated fibers on the flexural strength and elastic modulus of a reinforced autopolymerized and a heat-polymerized acrylic resin. Material and methods. Seventy-two specimens were divided into 1 2 treatment groups (n=6), according to type of acrylic resin (autopolymerized or heat polymerized), type of reinforcement, and its pre- or postpolymerization. Impregnated glass fibers (Fibrex-Lab), unimpregnated glass fibers (Fibrante), and ribs made from a restorative composite resin (Z250) were used as reinforcements. The reinforcements were light polymerized either before or after incorporation and processing of the acrylic resins. Specimens were tested in 3-point load and the data were analyzed using 2-wayANOVA and Tukey post hoc test(α=.05). Specimens were furtherexamined using light microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Results. Elastic modulus was significantly higher for heat-polymerized acrylic resins than for autopolymerized acrylic resins (P<.001). Prepolymerized fibers increased both flexural strength and elastic modulus of autopolymerized acrylic resins significantly more than postpolymerized fibers (P<.001); however, postpolymerized fibers yielded a higher elastic modulus than prepolymerized fibers for the heat-polymerized material (P<.001). Conclusions. Prepolymerized fibers improved the overal1 mechanical properties of reinforced autopolymerized acrylic resins more than postpolymerized fibers. However, postpolymerization of fibers yielded higher elastic modulus for reinforced heat-polymerized acrylics. (J Prosthet Dent 2008; 1 00:449-457)

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