Correlation in the mechanical properties of acrylic denture base resins

The aim of the present study was to measure various mechanical properties of acrylic denture base resins, including flexural modulus, flexural strength, fracture toughness, Barcol and Vickers hardness and their related properties, and to investigate correlations between different mechanical properties. Resin specimens were prepared according to manufacturers' recommended instructions. The mechanical properties were measured under specified standards. Data from the mechanical tests were examined using correlation tests. In general, the mean results for mechanical properties of each specimen group were differently ranked depending on the tested mechanical property. The flexural modulus value showed strong or reasonable positive correlation with those of proportional limit, flexural strength, and surface hardness. In contrast, fracture toughness revealed strong negative correlations with the flexural parameters and hardness values. Results of correlation tests for the different parameters can be used for estimation of mechanical performance of acrylic denture bases in clinical situation and for quality control purposes.