PMMA denture base enhancement: effect of different fillers

Background and Aim: the aim of this study was to evaluate the hybrid reinforcement effects of three types of fibers as well as the effect of a reinforcing metallic grid on flexural strengths of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base. The different fibers used in this study were carbon, glass and kevlar fiber. Methods: A total of 30 specimens were fabricated from heat-polymerized acrylic resins using the water bath technique and divided respectively on 5 groups each one contain 6 of tested specimens: Control group did not receive any addition, for the other test groups either carbon, glass, kevlar fiber and metallic grid were used respectively as reinforcement The flexural strength test was conducted with the traction machine at a crosshead speed of 5mm/min, at the national school of engineers of Monastir-Tunsia : Mechanical department. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis variance ANOVA Results: The flexural strength showed a significant improvement for the specimens filled with fibers (carbon fiber: 166 daN, glass fiber: 170 daN, Kevlar fiber: 186 daN). However, the test group reinforced with metallic grid (115 daN) showed a worst result compared to control group (151 daN), The maximum flexural strength were obtained with PMMA/Kevlar fiber mixture. Conclusion: the incorporation of fibers within the PMMA matrix greatly enhances the potential of flexural strength, which can be a solution for old patient with frequent bases fractures.