Flexural Properties of a Heat - Polymerized Polymethyl Methacrylate Denture Resin Reinforced with Basalt Fibers

Abstract

Background: Fracture of denture base made of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a common clinical problem. To overcome this problem, several ways are used for reinforcement the PMMA . No information is available in the dental literature regarding the effect of incorporating basalt fibers on the mechanical properties of the PMMA. This study therefore investigated the flexural properties of heat-polymerized denture base acrylic resin reinforced with untreated chopped basalt fibers, and with monomer, silane, or phosphoric acid- treated chopped basalt fibers. Methods: Sample was equally divided into five groups: group C (unreinforced with basalt fibers), group UBF (reinforced with untreated basalt fibers), group MBF (reinforced with monomer treated basalt fibers), group SBF (reinforced with silanized basalt fibers) and group PhABF (reinforced with basalt fibers treated by phosphoric acid 35%). A 3-point bending test was carried out for the test specimens with a universal testing machine. Results: Flexural strength of Group MBF (83.71 ± 2.19)MPa and SBF (73.37 ± 2.1)MPa significantly increased in comparison of Group C (67.13 ± 1.60)MPa and the MBF group recorded the highest flexural strength. Conclusions: Reinforcement the PMMA with monomer treated basalt fibers can be recommended.