Effect of high-pressure polymerization on mechanical properties of PMMA denture base resin

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of high-pressure polymerization on mechanical properties of denture base resin. A heat-curing denture base resin and an experimental PMMA were polymerized under 500 MPa of pressure by means of an isostatic pressurization machine at 70 °C for 24 h to make rectangular specimens whose dimensions were 30 mm×2 mm×2 mm. Each specimen was deflected on a three-point flexural test until either fracture occurred or the sample was loaded up to 8 mm in deflection. The molecular weight of the PMMA without filler was analyzed using the high-speed liquid chromatography system. Increased ductility without fracture was shown in the specimens subjected to high pressure, while most of the control specimens (ambient pressure) fractured. The mean toughness of the PMMA specimens polymerized under the high pressure was significantly higher than the same material polymerized under ambient pressure (p<0.01). The high pressure groups of the denture resin and the PMMA revealed a significantly lower mean 0.2% yield stress, flexural strength, and elastic modulus than control groups (p<0.01). There were certain amounts of higher molecular weight polymers in the high pressure specimens than were present in the controls. The increased toughness shown in the PMMA polymerized under the high pressure was presumably attributed to the higher molecular weight produced by the pressure. The result suggests a potential application of the high-pressure polymerization to the development of PMMA-based denture resin with improved fracture resistance.

► Experimental PMMA dental resin was polymerized under high pressure up to 980 MPa.
► Toughness was increased by the high pressure polymerization.
► The increased ductility was attributed to the high molecular weight.
► The method is effective for the PMMA materials with high fracture resistance.