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Influence of polymerization conditions on monomer elution and microhardness of autopolymerized polymethyl methacrylate resin
Author(s) -
Lee Shyhyuan,
Lai Yulin,
Hsu Tzaishin
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
european journal of oral sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.802
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1600-0722
pISSN - 0909-8836
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0722.2002.11232.x
Subject(s) - polymethyl methacrylate , materials science , curing (chemistry) , indentation hardness , hardness , monomer , polymerization , composite material , methacrylate , methyl methacrylate , polymer , microstructure
Residual monomer contents and surface hardness are important factors in determining the serviceability of provisional restorations. The intent of this study was to systemically evaluate the effects of curing conditions on provisional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resins which utilize a free‐radical polymerization reaction. Combinations of the three curing factors of temperature, pressure, curing environment (water/air) were adjusted during the fabrication of autopolymerized specimen disks. The initial hardness of tested materials was measured with a microhardness tester 1 h after disc fabrication, and the amounts of residual methyl methacrylate (MMA) released into water were analyzed by reverse‐phase HPLC after 7 d of water immersion. Results from multiple regressions showed that curing temperature was the dominant factor in improving resin surface hardness, whereas curing in water was the key factor for reducing the quantity of residual monomer. The pressure factor, which was thought to be critical for managing autopolymerized resins, showed no significant influences on the properties tested. ANOVA results showed that provisional PMMA resins cured in hot water, with or without pressure, significantly reduced the amount of residual MMA elution (up to 80%) and increased the microhardness values (up to 50%).