# 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.

## Key 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.