Wettability of poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces in dental use

Abstract

Poly(methyl methacrylate) is widely used in dentistry. In contact with water, there is an increase in the polar surface free energy from 9.5 to 21 mJ m−2. Various other surface modification treatments have been examined (chemical treatment, gold deposition and flaming), which also bring about a surface polar component increase and thus produce a better wettability in contact with water or saliva. The water modification seems to be the best treatment.