Mechanical properties of hot curing acrylic resin after reinforced with different kinds of fibers

Background. Acrylic resins used in restorative dentistry are the most popular denture base material, because they have good optical properties and small solubility in body fluids. However their mechanical properties are limited and therefore acrylic resins require different methods of reinforcement one of which can be application of different kinds of fibers. Objectives. To investigate the effect of various fibers on the flexural properties of hot curing acrylic resins after it was broken and reconnected with cold curing material reinforced with polyethylene and glass fibers.Material and Methods. Villacryl H Plus hot curing material after curing was broken and reinforced with various unidirectional fibers to improve its resistance. The fibers' surface was pretreated with methyl methacrylate solution. Control specimens did not contain reinforced fiber. Flexural properties of reinforced acrylic resins (AFRAR) were determined in dry condition after 24 hours at 23oC and after 28 days water immersion at 37oC. The test was performed by a three – point bending test using Instron type 4411 tensile testing machine.Results. Flexural resistance of fiber reinforced with acrylic resin (FRAR) increased after using fiber bundle in the sample. After 28 days of water immersion polyethylene fibers had better flexural properties compared to glass fibers. It could be connected with better polyethylene resistance in water conditions. Conclusions. Unidirectional polyethylene and glass fibers, are good application in restorative dentistry and the mechanical properties of hot curing acrylic resin increase after repairing process with cold curing resin.