Heat-cured acrylic resin repaired with microwave-cured one: bond strength and surface texture

This study evaluated the influence of chemical surface treatments in the repair strength of a heat-cured acrylic resin (Lucitone 550, (LU)). A total of 70 specimens were made with LU according to American Dental Association (ADA) specification No. 12. Of these, 14 remained intact and were used as a control group (GI). A total of 56 specimens were selected randomly. These specimens were cut in the middle (10 mm), repaired with a microwave acrylic resin (Acron MC (AC)), and processed in a microwave oven for 3 min at 500 W. Prior to the repair, the surface of the cut ends received different chemical treatments (GIII = AC monomer dipping/30 s; GIV = acetone dipping/30 s; GV = acetone dipping/15 s + blast of air + AC monomer dipping/15 s; GVI = no wetting treatment). However, 14 intact specimens made with AC formed a second control group (GII). The effect of the chemical treatments on the surface texture of LU was observed with scanning electron microscopy. Flexural test results were submitted to paired t-test and showed statistical differences (P < 0.05) only between the pairs GIV-GV and GIV-GVI. Strength mean values of repaired specimens were statistically lower (79-90%) than GII mean values. Strength mean values of GVI and GIV were 93 and 106%, respectively, of GI mean, showing no statistical differences. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed various effects of the chemical treatments on the denture base resin surface. In conclusion, the wetting surface treatments affected the bond strength between the two acrylic resins, and no statistical differences in strength were observed between intact heat-cured denture base material and the same material repaired with microwave acrylic resin.