Effect of different disinfectants on the microhardness and roughness of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis

Abstract

Ocular prosthesis materials should have specific properties for their indication and durability; therefore, it is important to investigate their physical behaviour when affected by several disinfectants. This study evaluated the influence of different disinfecting solutions on the microhardness and surface roughness of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis. Fifty samples simulating ocular prostheses were fabricated with N1 resin and colourless resin and divided (n = 10) according to the disinfectant used: neutral soap, Opti-free, Efferdent, 1% hypochlorite (HYC) and 4% chlorhexidine (CHX). Samples were stored in saline solution at 37°C and disinfected during 120 days. Both microhardness and roughness were investigated before, after 60 days and 120 days of disinfection and storage. Microhardness was measured using a microhardner and the roughness with a roughness device. N1 resin showed lower microhardness when compared with colourless resin (p < 0.05). HYC and CHX groups exhibited the highest change of microhardness and roughness values (p < 0.05). An increase in roughness and reduction in microhardness of ocular acrylic resins were observed after both periods of disinfection and storage (p < 0.05). Both disinfection/storage periods affected the microhardness and roughness values of the samples.