Effect of ethanol treatment on mechanical properties of heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate denture base polymer

This laboratory study was assessing the nano-mechanical properties (NMP), surface roughness (S_a), and topographic changes caused by ethanol on the surface of heat-polymerized denture base polymers at different time past dough stage. Specimens of heat polymerizing acrylic resin (Interacryl Hot, Interdent, Celje, Slovenia) of size 10×10×3 mm were prepared, wet ground, and polished for uniform smoothness and treated with ethanol in concentrations of 40, 70, and 99.9% for 30, 60, and 120 s and statistical analysis was done. Some statistical significance for S_a were highest with 120 s exposure to 40% ethanol. NMP were the highest for specimens treated with 99.9% ethanol concentration for 120 s, on specimens prepared 30 min past the dough stage. This study suggested that heat-polymerized denture base polymers are prone for changes by ethanol which alters mechanical properties and surface topography. Dough time influenced the ethanol resistance.