Effect of different disinfectants on the microhardness and roughness of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis

Background:  Ocular prosthesis materials should have specific properties for their indication and durability; therefore, it is important to investigate their physical behaviour when affected by several disinfectants. Objectives:  This study evaluated the influence of different disinfecting solutions on the microhardness and surface roughness of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis. Materials and Methods:  Fifty samples simulating ocular prostheses were fabricated with N1 resin and colourless resin and divided ( n  = 10) according to the disinfectant used: neutral soap, Opti‐free, Efferdent, 1% hypochlorite (HYC) and 4% chlorhexidine (CHX). Samples were stored in saline solution at 37°C and disinfected during 120 days. Both microhardness and roughness were investigated before, after 60 days and 120 days of disinfection and storage. Microhardness was measured using a microhardner and the roughness with a roughness device. Results:  N1 resin showed lower microhardness when compared with colourless resin ( p  < 0.05). HYC and CHX groups exhibited the highest change of microhardness and roughness values ( p  < 0.05). An increase in roughness and reduction in microhardness of ocular acrylic resins were observed after both periods of disinfection and storage ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion:  Both disinfection/storage periods affected the microhardness and roughness values of the samples.