Influence of application technique on microstructure and strength of acrylic restorations

An investigation was made of the influence of application techniques on the microstructure and properties of an acrylic tooth restorative. Mixtures of acrylic powder and monomer ("Sevriton Simplified") were applied by the brush technique of Nealon (J. Prosth. Dent., 2, 513, 1952) and by two bulk flow techniques. While similar porosities (about 4%) were observed, the brush technique resulted in a greater quantity of grains from the acrylic powder. Despite this, there was little difference in values of compression modulus, compressive yield stress, and diametral compressive strength. The mechanical strength of the materials studied was less than one-half that of high molecular weight poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Crack propagation studies established that the interface between the grains and matrix was not a source of weakness. However, as the matrix was crosslinked this could not be checked by solution methods of polymer characterization.