Mechanical properties of an experimental denture soft lining material

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of an experimental formulation (Exp. 1) in order to assess its potential as a denture soft lining material. The same properties of a popular commercially available denture soft lining material (Molloplast-B) were determined and compared with the properties of Exp. 1.

Exp. 1 specimens were obtained by curing for 24 h at room temperature after the addition of the appropriate amounts of catalyst and cross-linker. Molloplast-B specimens were obtained after curing according to the manufacturer's instructions. The properties measured in the study were hardness, tear resistance, tensile strength and the bond strength of the material to a heat-cured acrylic denture base material.

Exp. 1 had a significantly greater tensile strength, percent elongation, tear resistance and peel strength (p < 0.0001) than Molloplast-B. There was no significant difference in the hardness values of the two materials, although Molloplast-B had a significantly higher tensile bond and shear bond strength (p < 0.05).

It was concluded that there was no significant difference in the hardness of Exp. 1 and Molloplast-B. Exp. 1 had superior tensile and tear properties. Its peel bond strength was superior to that of Molloplast-B, although its tensile bond strength and shear bond strength were less.