The Effect of Autoclave Processing on Some Properties of Cross-Linked Acrylic Denture Base Material

Abstract

Background: Impact strength, surface hardness, water sorption and solubility are important properties for cross linking acrylic resin as denture base material so it is important to evaluate these properties after autoclave processing.Objectives: The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of different time durations of autoclave processing on some physical and mechanical properties of cross linking acrylic denture base materials.Materials and methods: Heat cured cross link acrylic was the acrylic denture base material included in this study. Total of (108) specimens were prepared. The specimens were grouped into: control group in which acrylic resin processed by conventional water bath processing technique and experimental groups in which acrylic resins processed by autoclave at 121°C, 210 KPa. The experimental groups were divided into group 1 (Fast) for 15 minutes. and group 2 (Slow) for 30minutes to study the effect of the autoclave processing, four tests were conducted: impact strength (Charpy tester), surface hardness (shore D), and water sorption and solubility test.Result: The results were analyzed by ANOVA. There were no significant differences between the results of the processing techniques regarding impact, hardness, and water sorption and solubility tests.Conclusions: The autoclave processing technique might also be a good alternative to the conventional water bath processing technique regardless to the cycle of autoclave processing either fast or slow.