EFFECTS OF CHOPPED GLASS FIBER ON THE STRENGTH OF HEAT-CURED PMMA RESIN

The fracture of acrylic resin dentures remains an unsolved problem. Therefore, many investigations have been performed and various approaches to strengthening acrylic resin, for example, the reinforcement of heat-cured PMMA resin using glass fibers, have been suggested over the years. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of short glass fibers treated with silane coupling agent on the transverse strength of heat-polymerized PMMA denture base resin. To avoid fiber bunching and achieve even fiber distribution, glass fiber bundles were mixed with PMMA powder in conventional mixer whose blade was modified to be blunt. Composite of glass fiber($11{\mu}m$ diameter, 3mm & 6mm length, silane treated) and PMMA resin was made. Transverse strength and Young's modulus were estimated. Glass fibers were incorporated with 1%, 3%, 6% and 9% by weight. Plasticity and workability of dough was evaluated. Fracture surface of specimens was investigated by SEM. The results of this study were as follows 1. 6% and 9% incorporation of 3mm glass fibers in the PMMA resin enhanced the transverse strength of the test specimens(p<0.05). 2. 6% incorporation of 6mm glass fibers in the PMMA resin increased transverse strength, but 9% incorporation of it decreased transverse strength(p<0.05). 3. When more than 3% of 3mm glass fibers and more than 6% of 6mm glass fibers were incorporated, Young's modulus increased significantly(p<0.05). 4. Workability decreased gradually as the percentage of the fibers increased. 5. Workability decreased gradually as the length of the fibers increased. 6. In SEM and LM, there was no bunching of fibers and no shortening of fibers.