Tensile properties of denture base resin reinforced with various esthetic fibers

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the reinforcement effect of five types of esthetic fibers on the tensile properties of a conventional denture base resin. E-glass, polyester, rayon, nylon 6, and nylon 6/6 fibers were cut into 2, 4, and 6 mm lengths and added into resin randomly at a concentration of 3% by weight. For each formulation, five tensile specimens, as well as control specimens without fibers, were prepared in a dumbbell shape using a stainless steel mold, constructed according to ASTM Standard D638M-91a. Tensile properties were evaluated by using a universal testing machine. Surfaces of the tensile sections were also observed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Tensile strength of the specimens reinforced with fibers in varying lengths was found to be lower than that of the unreinforced control group. Among the trial groups, the specimens reinforced with 6 mm long polyester fibers showed the highest tensile strength. All the SEM fractographs indicated both weak adhesion and pull out of fibers from the matrix. None of the incorporated esthetic fibers appeared to improve tensile strength of the resin.