Effect of the reducing agent on the oxygen-inhibited layer of the cross-linked reline material

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of the reducing agent on the oxygen-inhibited layer of the cross-linked reline material. A commercial autopolymerizing reline resin containing 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate as cross-linking agent and 1 wt.% sodium sulphite solution as a reducing agent was prepared. The inhibited layer was observed using an optical transmission microscope under the conditions of the application of sodium sulphite for 0, 1, 5 and 15 min after curing for 10 min in air. As a control, the reline material was cured on sealing from air. Moreover, the three-point flexural strength test was performed under the same conditions. The fracture was then observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Although hardness of the inhibited layer was enhanced after the application of the reducing agent, the layer was still observed. The flexural strength of the control and the groups after application of the reducing agent was significantly higher than the group without reducing agent. SEM examination revealed many polymer beads on the group without reducing agent, whereas polymer beads could not be observed on the groups applying the reducing agent. These results indicated that the application of sodium sulphite was effective in hardening the surface unpolymerized zone.