Additive effect of polyethylene-polypropylene fibers in heat-cure acrylic resin flexural strength

TL;DR

Adding polypropylene fibers significantly improves the strength of heat-cured acrylic resin used in dentures.

Contribution

This study demonstrates that polypropylene fibers enhance PMMA flexural strength more effectively than polyethylene.

Findings

Polypropylene fibers increased PMMA flexural strength to 169.61 MPa.

Polyethylene fibers improved strength to 129.29 MPa, still higher than the control.

The control PMMA had a flexural strength of 99.91 MPa.

Abstract

Although it lacks sufficient flexural strength, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) finds extensive application as a foundation material for
dentures. Flexural strength of heat-cured PMMA was examined in an in vitro experiment by adding polyethylene and
polypropylene fibers. An evaluation was conducted on 120 controlled specimens by means of a three-point bending test. Results showed
significant improvement with both fibers, with polypropylene (169.61 ± 16.30 MPa) providing superior reinforcement compared to
polyethylene (129.29 ± 5.00 MPa) and control (99.91 ± 3.79 MPa) (p < 0.001). Based on these results, reinforcing PMMA
dentures with polypropylene fibers is a good way to increase their mechanical performance and lifespan.