Chemical Structure and Physical Properties of Heat-cured Poly(methyl methacrylate) Resin Processed with Cycloaliphatic Comonomer: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

The purpose of this in vitro research is to chemically characterize polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) processed with 10% and 20% (v/v) tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (TCDDMDA) comonomer. It also aimed to assess the degree of conversion (DC) and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the formed copolymers. The experimental groups were processed with the TCDDMDA comonomer (10% and 20% v/v), whereas the control group was processed only with the methyl methacrylate monomer. The copolymerization was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The surface characteristics and composition (wt%) were studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy (cuboidal specimen; 5 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm), respectively. The DC and Tg of the formed copolymers (powdered form) were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. One-way analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni test was used to compare the mean values of DC% and Tg among the groups. The newly formed copolymer [P(MMA-co-TCDDMDA)] was chemically characterized by NMR and FESEM-EDX. The DC and Tg of the experimental groups were higher than the control. Tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate at 20% (v/v) concentration showed the highest DC and Tg. The addition of TCDDMDA comonomer improved the DC and Tg of the formed copolymer. The P(MMA-co-TCDDMDA) copolymer is expected to improve the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the denture base acrylic resin. This would result in improved denture quality and durability, thereby, imparting a better quality of life to the geriatric population.