title: Comparison of flexural strength between fiber-reinforced polymer and high-impact strength resin.
abstract: Fractures of polymer material are one of the most frequent reasons for the repair of removable dental prostheses. Therefore, there is a constant endeavor to strengthen them, and polymer materials with high resistance to fracture are being developed. The aim of this study was to determine the flexural strength of polymer materials and their reinforcements and thus give preference to their clinical use. Specimens with dimensions 18 x 10 x 3 mm were tested after polymerization, immersion in water at a temperature 37 degrees C for 28 days, and thermocycling by using the "short-beam" method to determine the flexural strength. Microscopic examination was performed to determine the quality of bonding between the glass fibers and matrix. Common polymer materials (control group) demonstrated the lowest flexural strength, although, when reinforced with fibers they showed higher flexural strength, matching that of the tested high-impact strength resin. Thermocycled specimens had the highest flexural strength, whereas there was no difference (p > 0.05) between specimens tested after polymerization and immersion in water.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Av. G. Suska 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vojvodic
authors.forename: Franjo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Matejicek
authors.forename: Ante
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Loncar
authors.forename: Domagoj
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zabarovic
authors.forename: Dragutin
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Komar
authors.forename: Ketij
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mehulic
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials; D003813:Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011108:Polymers; D012117:Resins, Synthetic
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials; D011108:Polymers; D012117:Resins, Synthetic