STRENGTH OF GLASS FIBER REINFORCED PMMA RESIN AND SURFACE ROUGHNESS CHANGE AFTER ABRASION TEST

Statement of the problem. 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 acrylic resin using glass fibers, have been suggested over the years. But problems such as poor workability, rough surface, poor adhesion of glass fiber resin complex are not solved yet. Purpose. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of short glass fibers on the transverse strength of heat-polymerized denture base acrylic resin and roughness of resin complex after abrasion test. Material and methods. To avoid fiber bunching and achieve even fiber distribution, glass fiber bundles were mixed with acrylic resin powder in conventional mixer with a non-cutting blade, to produce the glass fiber($10{\mu}m$ diameter, 3mm length, silane treated) resin composite. Glass fibers were incorporated at 0%, 3%, 6% and 9% by weight. Transverse strength were measured. After abrasion test, surface roughness was evaluated and scanning electron microscope view was taken for clinical application. Results. 1. 6% and 9% incorporation of 3mm glass fibers in the acrylic resin enhanced the transverse strength of the test specimens(p<0.05). 2. Before abrasion test, incorporation of 0%, 3%, 9% glass fiber in the resin showed no dirrerence in roughness statisticaly(p>0.05). 3. After abrasion test, incorporation of 0%, 3%, 6% glass fiber in the resin showed same surface roughness value statistically(p>0.05). 4. In SEM, surface roughness increased as the percentage of the fibers increased. 5. In the areas where glass fiber bunchings are formated, a remarkably high roughness was noticed. Conclusion. 6% and 9% addition of silane-treated short glass fibers into denture base acrylic resin increased transverse strength significantly. Before and after abrasion test, incorporation of 0%, 3%, 6% glass fiber in the resin showed same surface roughness value statistically.