ABSTRACT:
Heat activated acrylic resin materials are most widely used for the fabrication of denture prosthesis. Flexural strength, impact strength and surface hardness are some of the desirable mechanical properties of denture prosthesis materials. Polymers’ tendency to absorb water or any other fluids changes the dimensions of prosthesis and also influences its mechanical properties. The purpose of this in-vitro study is to determine the physical and mechanical properties of heat activated denture base materials. A total of 40 specimens from each of the selected heat activated acrylic materials were fabricated. Flexural strength was measured using three point bending method with universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 2mm per minute. Impact strength was determined using Izod impact tester. Surface hardness was measured using Vickers hardness testing machine. Water sorption and solubility were measured by weight gain and loss by denture base acrylic specimens on immersing them in distilled water for about a week and after dessicated for 24 hours respectively. One way ANOVA and TukeyHSD tests were used to analyse the results. Each denture base material used in the study was superior or inferior in one or the other properties tested. Trevlon denture base materials exhibited more flexural strength, Lucitone199 materials exhibited more impact strength and TriplexHot materials exhibited more Vickers hardness. All the denture materials exhibited least water sorption and solubility qualities.