A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE HARDNESS AND TENSILE

STRENGTH OF
HEAT-CURED AND COLD-CURED ACRYLIC RESINS DENTURE
BASE MATERIALS
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND STUDY
Dentistry as a specialty is believed to have begun about 3000 BC
when Egypt
was the medical center of ancient world. The first dental prosthesis
was
believed to have been constructed in Egypt about 2500 BC.
(Philips, 1967)
By definition, Dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic
devices
constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by
surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity (St. Louis,
1994.)lll
Conventional dentures are removable; however, there are many
different
denture designs, some of which rely on bonding or clasping onto
teeth or
dental implants. There are two main categories of dentures (partial
denture
and complete denture), which can be used to replace missing teeth
on the
mandibular arch or the maxillary arch.
These dental prosthetics (dentures) are founded on special bases
called
denture bases. A denture base is that part of a denture which rests
on the
foundation areas (hard tissues of the mouth) and to which teeth
are
attached (St. Louis, 1994)
Acrylic resin was first introduced as a denture boase material in the
early
1930s when it was employed as a true thermoplastic material,
being moulded
by injection moulding under heat and pressure into the shape of
the
denture. (Osborn and Wilson, 1970).
According to (Osborn and Wilson, 1970), the modern method of
using acrylic
resin in the form of a liquid monomer and a powder polymer was
introduced
in 1937, and is known as the dough method. All the present-day
acrylic
resins in use in dentistry are supplied in this form.
Acrylic resins are non metallic denture base material. They are a
specially compounded substance that has no defined crystal
structure but

are amorphous in nature, used to form the base of dental

appliances.
(Eyarefe, 2013).
They are thermoplastic solids consisting of chains of molecules of
methyl
methacrylate which has become linked together by activation, and
are of two
types: heat activated (heat cured) resin and the chemically
activated
(cold cured) resins, based on the method used for its fabrication.
Both
resins exhibit different properties when used as a denture base
material in
the fabrication of oral appliance worn by patients.
A study by (Manapallil, 2005) showed that 68% of acrylic resin
dentures
break within a few years after fabrication. They are susceptible to
fracture after period of clinical use, as a result of many
predisposing
clinical factors. Biting and masticatory forces have a deforming
effect
during function; any factor that increases the deformation of the
base and
changes the stress distribution may lead to denture fracture.
Midline
fracture as a result of bending of complete denture in the mouth is
a
frequently encountered problem.
Thus, according to (Shaw and Scott 1968), the suitability or
superiority of
a potential denture base material, either the heat cured or the
cold
cured resin may be largely determined by a series of tests upon
specimens
which have been processed in two ways. Such tests are designed
to examine
and compare the mechanical properties of these materials, such
as:
(i) Tensile Strenght
(ii) Hardness
These tests would facilitate the suitability of either of the two
materials
for the fabrication of denture base that is durable, and can
withstand
masticatory forces to an appreciable extent.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Heat activated (heat-cured) and chemically activated (cold-cured)
acrylic
resins used in the fabrication of denture base for full and partial
dentures as well as bases for various orthodontic appliances had

been found
not to withstand stresses of mastication, which leads to its
fracture.
These acrylic resin appliances also fracture, due to sudden
stresses as may
result from accidentally dropping the appliance on the floor.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To analyze the differences between the tensile & hardness
strength of
cold-cured and the heat-cured acrylic resin denture base materials.
2. To determine and compare the tensile strength & hardness of
coldcured and heatcured resins for the fabrication of denture
base.
3. To determine which of the two materials is most suitable for
the
fabrication of denture base and other oral appliances.
4. To suggest what can be done to improve the suitability of either
material, for the fabrication of denture base for oral appliances.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the differences between the hardness and tensile
strength of
cold-cured and heat-cured acrylic resin denture base materials?
2. How strong are these two denture base materials?
3. Which of the two materials will be most suitable for the
fabrication of
Denture base and other oral appliances?
4. What can be done to improve the mechanical properties of
acrylic resin
denture base
material?
RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
HO: There lwill be is no significant difference between the tensile and
hardness
strength of coldcured and heatcured acrylic resin denture base.
HA: There is a significant difference between the tensile and
hardnessA COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE HARDNESS AND TENSILE
STRENGTH OF
HEAT-CURED AND COLD-CURED ACRYLIC RESINS DENTURE
BASE MATERIALS
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND STUDY
Dentistry as a specialty is believed to have begun about 3000 BC
when Egypt
was the medical centre of ancient world. The first dental prosthesis
was
believed to have been constructed in Egypt about 2500 BC.
(Philips, 1967)
By definition, Dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic
devices
constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by

surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity (St. Louis,
1994.)
Conventional dentures are removable; however, there are many
different
denture designs, some of which rely on bonding or clasping onto
teeth or
dental implants. There are two main categories of dentures (partial
denture
and complete denture), which can be used to replace missing teeth
on the
mandibular arch or the maxillary arch.
These dental prosthetics (dentures) are founded on special bases
called
denture bases. A denture base is that part of a denture which rests
on the
foundation areas (hard tissues of the mouth) and to which teeth
are
attached (St. Louis, 1994)
Acrylic resin was first introduced as a denture base material in the
early
1930s when it was employed as a true thermoplastic material,
being moulded
by injection moulding under heat and pressure into the shape of
the
denture. (Osborn and Wilson, 1970).
According to (Osborn and Wilson, 1970), the modern method of
using acrylic
resin in the form of a liquid monomer and a powder polymer was
introduced
in 1937, and is known as the dough method. All the present-day
acrylic
resins in use in dentistry are supplied in this form.
Acrylic resins are non metallic denture base material. They are a
specially compounded substance that has no defined crystal
structure but
are amorphous in nature, used to form the base of dental
appliances.
(Eyarefe, 2013).
They are thermoplastic solids consisting of chains of molecules of
methyl
methacrylate which has become linked together by activation, and
are of two
types: heat activated (heat cured) resin and the chemically
activated
(cold cured) resins, based on the method used for its fabrication.
Both
resins exhibit different properties when used as a denture base
material in
the fabrication of oral appliance worn by patients.
A study by (Manapallil, 2005) showed that 68% of acrylic resin

dentures
break within a few years after fabrication. They are susceptible to
fracture after period of clinical use, as a result of many
predisposing
clinical factors. Biting and masticatory forces have a deforming
effect
during function; any factor that increases the deformation of the
base and
changes the stress distribution may lead to denture fracture.
Midline
fracture as a result of bending of complete denture in the mouth is
a
frequently encountered problem.
Thus, according to (Shaw and Scott 1968), the suitability or
superiority of
a potential denture base material, either the heat cured or the
cold
cured resin may be largely determined by a series of tests upon
specimens
which have been processed in two ways. Such tests are designed
to examine
and compare the mechanical properties of these materials, such
as:
(i) Tensile Strenght
(ii) Hardness
These tests would facilitate the suitability of either of the two
materials
for the fabrication of denture base that is durable, and can
withstand
masticatory forces to an appreciable extent.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Heat activated (heat-cured) and chemically activated (cold-cured)
acrylic
resins used in the fabrication of denture base for full and partial
dentures as well as bases for various orthodontic appliances had
been found
not to withstand stresses of mastication, which leads to its
fracture.
These acrylic resin appliances also fracture, due to sudden
stresses as may
result from accidentally dropping the appliance on the floor.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To analyze the differences between the tensile & hardness
strength of
cold-cured and the heat-cured acrylic resin denture base materials.
2. To determine and compare the tensile strength & hardness of
coldcured and heatcured resins for the fabrication of denture
base.
3. To determine which of the two materials is most suitable for
the

fabrication of denture base and other oral appliances.

4. To suggest what can be done to improve the suitability of either
material, for the fabrication of denture base for oral appliances.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the differences between the hardness and tensile
strength of
cold-cured and heat-cured acrylic resin denture base materials?
2. How strong are these two denture base materials?
3. Which of the two materials will be most suitable for the
fabrication of
denture base and other oral appliances?
4. What can be done to improve the mechanical properties of
acrylic resin
denture base
material?
RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
HO: There will be no significant difference between the tensile and
hardness
strength of coldcured and heatcured acrylic resin denture base.
HA: There will be a significant difference between the tensile and
hardness
strength of coldcured and heatcured acrylic resin denture base.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
PREAMBLE
Research method is concerned with the process used in the
collection and
analysis of data for the research. Since data is the life-wire of an
empirical study, this chapter presents the structural framework
which deals
with the generation of data. They are discussed under the
following:
- Research design
- Description of study area
- Instrumentation
- Materials used
- Data collection procedure
- Data presentation/analysis technique
RESEARCH DESIGN
Experimental design will be used for the study. This will be strictly
based
on laboratory analysis, which will aim at comparing the tensile
strength
and hardness strength of heat-cured and cold-cured acrylic resins
denture
base materials.
DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
The comparative study of the hardness and tensile strength of
heat-cured
and cold-cured acrylic resin denture base materials will be carried

out in
Dental Technology Department Laboratory and Polishing,
Processing, Packing
and Plaster room Laboratory, in the Federal College of Dental
Technology
and Therapy, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy is located at
Trans-ekulu,
Enugu State, Nigeria. The institution is made up of two (2)
Departments.
These are: Dental Technology and Dental Therapy.
The Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy is one of
the
Institutions supervised by the Federal Ministry of Health and one of
the
eighteen Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria. The School was
established in
1955 at No.1 Broad Street, Lagos State, as Federal College of
Dental
Technology and Hygiene. The primary aim then was to produce
Dental
Technicians and Hygienists. It underwent a series of
transformations and
eventually metamorphosed into Federal College of Dental
Technology and
Therapy in 1978 with an enlarged objective to produce Dental
Technologists
and Therapists. The school was relocated to Federation close
along Jim
Nwobodo Avenue, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu State in 1982.
The school offers programmes in Dental Technology at the
National and
Higher National Diploma Levels. Graduates are expected to fulfill a
mandatory one year Internship before being mobilized for the
National Youth
Service Corps (NYSC). And thus accepted for registration and
licensing by
the Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria (
www.fedsdtten.edu.ng ).
INSTRUMENTS AND MATERIALS USED
INSTRUMENTS USED:
The following instruments were used:
- Dental flask Used to invest the wax pattern sample.
- Trimming machine Used for trimming the processed sample.
- Curing bath Used for curing the sample.
- Polishing lathe Used for smoothening the acrylic sample.
- Wax knife Used for shaping the sample wax pattern.
- Plaster knife Used for plaster work.
- Mixing bow For gypsum material during investment of
sample.

- Monsanto tensometer for sample tensile strength test.

- Rock Well hardness testing machine, for sample hardness test.
MATERIALS USED
The following materials were used for this experiment:
- Polymer powder (heat-cure)
- Polymer powder (cold- cure)
- Liquid monomer (heat-cured & cold-cured)
- Modeling wax
- Gypsum
- Cold mould seal
- Pumice.
SAMPLE PREPARATION
In this study the Specimens were prepared from the two types of
materials:
cold-cured and heat-cured resins.
The tensile test specimens were dumbbell-shaped and consisted of
a central
bar of 18mm length and 3mm diameter which blends gradually into
two larger
ends with 6mm diameter for the machine grip. Specimens were
divided into
two groups as follows:
Group 1: Heat-cured acrylic resin 5
Group 2: Cold-cured acrylic resin 5
The waxed up dumbbell shaped plate pattern with 18 3 6 mm
length, width
and thickness respectively were prepared for tensile strength test
and
hardness test using modeling wax ( Dentari, S.P.A., Italy).
By the use of dental stone (Silky Rock, USA) as investment
material, these
wax plates were invested in their corresponding flasks. After wax
elimination, a fine brush was used to spread the separating
medium onto
the exposed surfaces of warm, clean stone moulds.
HEAT-CURED ACRYLIC RESIN:
Powder and liquid of heat cured acrylic resin (Major Pro-dotti
Dentari,
S.P.A., Italy) were proportioned and mixed according to the
manufacturers
instructions.
Then the flask moulds were packed with acrylic resin material.
Packing was
done at the late dough stage indicated by the clean separation of
the resin
from the walls of the glassmixing jar.
The resin was cured in two steps polymerization, 70 C for 30
minutes, then
processed at 100 C for 30 minutes (according to the
manufacturers

instructions), in a thermostatically controlled water bath.

COLD-CURED ACRYLIC RESIN:
The powder and liquid were mixed, according to manufacturers
specification. Flasking (packing of cold-cure acrylic resin dough)
was
completed and specimens were cured and finished at room
temperature.
FINISHING AND POLISHING
All the acrylic resin specimens were finished by sand paper sheet
and
continuous water-cooling (to avoid over heating).While polishing
was
accomplished by using bristle brush and pumice with dental lathe
polishing
machine using low speed (1500rpm). The final glossy surface was
obtained
with wool brush and whitening on dental lathe, the specimens were
continuously cooled with water to avoid over heating during
finishing and
polishing to prevent distortion of the specimens.
10 samples were prepared of the heat-cured acrylic resin. They
were then
divided into 2 groups (5 for each test). The control group consists
of 10
samples also divided into 2 groups, prepared from coldcured
acrylic
denture base resin processed according to the conventional
method. Samples
of the both groups were tested for Tensile strength and Hardness
strength.
DIMENSIONS EXAMINATION:
All finished specimens were examined by the digital caliper.
DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE
Tensile test:
The tensile strength was measured by using the Monsanto
Tensometer (made in
UK, sn: TER/2/11140) equipped with grips suitable for holding the
test
specimen. Set at cross head speed of 0.5mm/min with a chart
speed of
20mm/min. The loads were measured by a tensile load cell with a
maximum
capacity (100kg). The recorded force at failure was measured (kg)
which
were converted into (N).
The values of tensile strength were calculated by the following:
T.S. = F/A
Where: - T.S. = Tensile strength (N/mm2); F = Force at failure (N);
A = Area of cross section at failure (m Hardness Test:
The Rockwell hardness test presses a steel or diamond

hemisphere-conical
penetrator against a test specimen and measures the resulting
indentation
depth as a gauge of the specimens hardness. The chief advantage
of using
this test for hardness testing is its ability to display hardness
values
directly, thus obviating tedious calculations involved in other
hardness
measurement techniques. The harder the material, the higher the
HR reading
The hardness test was measured using the Rockwell hardness test
(Testro HT
la-Diho wolpert-Werke LUDWIGSHAFEN .Rh). In the test, a minor
load (10kg)
is first applied; the test dial (measuring the indentation depth) is
set to
zero. Then a major load (150kg) is applied to create a full
indentation.
The major load is reduced back to the minor load, and the
indentation depth
measurement is taken.
Data: Rockwell C-Scale Hardness brale indenter, 150kg with steel
balls.
METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
Descriptive statistics which includes tables of Mean, Standard
deviation,
Standard error and graphical presentation (Bar chart) were used
along with
t-test in other to accept or reject the statistical hypothesis.
REFERENCE
.
Eyarefe, O. S. (2013). Comprehensive question and answers on the
science
and application of dental materials. 1st. Ed. Enugu: Tunde
Concept.
John J. Manapallil (2005). Basic Dental Materials. Jaypee Brothers
Medical
Publishers ltd New Delhi India. 2nd Ed.
Osborn, J. & Wilson H.J. (1978). Dental Mechanics For Students.
6th . Ed.
London: Staples Press.
Ralph W. Philips (1967). Science of dental materials. 7th ed.
London: W.B
saunders company; Pg. 108-205.
Shaw F.G. & Scot D.C (1968). Practical Exercise in Dental
Mechanics. The
Dental Technician publications ltd England. 3rd Ed
St. Louis Mosby C.V. (1994).The glossary of prosthetic terms; 6th
ed.

strength of coldcured and heatcured acrylic resin denture base.

CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
PREAMBLE
Research method is concerned with the process used in the
collection and
analysis of data for the research. Since data is the life-wire of an
empirical study, this chapter presents the structural framework
which deals
with the generation of data. They are discussed under the
following:
- Research design
- Description of study area
- Instrumentation
- Materials used
- Data collection procedure
- Data presentation/analysis technique
RESEARCH DESIGN
Experimental design will be used for the study. This will be strictly
based
on laboratory analysis, which will aim at comparing the tensile
strength
and hardness strength of heat-cured and cold-cured acrylic resins
denture
base materials.
DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
The comparative study of the hardness and tensile strength of
heat-cured
and cold-cured acrylic resin denture base materials will be carried
out in
Dental Technology Department Laboratory and Polishing,
Processing, Packing
and Plaster room Laboratory, in the Federal College of Dental
Technology
and Therapy, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy is located at
Trans-ekulu,
Enugu State, Nigeria. The institution is made up of two (2)
Departments.
These are: Dental Technology and Dental Therapy.
The Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy is one of
the
Institutions supervised by the Federal Ministry of Health and one of
the
eighteen Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria. The School was
established in
1955 at No.1 Broad Street, Lagos State, as Federal School of
Dental
Technology and Hygiene. The primary aim then was to produce
Dental

Technicians and Hygienists. It underwent a series of

transformations and
eventually metamorphosed into Federal School of Dental
Technology and
Therapy in 1978 with an enlarged objective to produce Dental
Technologists
and Therapists. The school was relocated to Federation close
along Jim
Nwobodo Avenue, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu State in 1982.
The school offers programmes in Dental Technology at the
National and
Higher National Diploma Levels. Graduates are expected to fulfill a
mandatory one year Internship before being mobilized for the
National Youth
Service Corps (NYSC). And thus accepted for registration and
licensing by
the Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria. (
www.fedsdtten.edu.ng ). In the year 2015 ,the school was renamed to be
Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy Trans-ekulu, Enugu.
INSTRUMENTS AND MATERIALS USED
INSTRUMENTS USED:
The following instruments were used:
- Dental flask Used to invest the wax pattern sample.
- Trimming machine Used for trimming the processed sample.
- Curing bath Used for curing the sample.
- Polishing lathe Used for smoothening the acrylic sample.
- Wax knife Used for shaping the sample wax pattern.
- Plaster knife Used for plaster work.
- Mixing bow For gypsum material during investment of
sample.
- Monsanto tensometer for sample tensile strength test.
- Rock Well hardness testing machine, for sample hardness test.
MATERIALS USED
The following materials were used for this experiment:
- Polymer powder (heat-cure)
- Polymer powder (cold- cure)
- Liquid monomer (heat-cured & cold-cured)
- Modeling wax
- Gypsum
- Cold mould seal
- Pumice.
SAMPLE PREPARATION
In this study the Specimens were prepared from the two types of
materials:
cold-cured and heat-cured resins.
The tensile test specimens were dumbbell-shaped and consisted of
a central
bar of 18mm length and 3mm diameter which blends gradually into
two larger
ends with 6mm diameter for the machine grip. Specimens were

divided into
two groups as follows:
Group 1: Heat-cured acrylic resin 5
Group 2: Cold-cured acrylic resin 5
The waxed up dumbbell shaped plate pattern with 18 3 6 mm
length, width
and thickness respectively were prepared for tensile strength test
and
hardness test using modeling wax ( Dentari, S.P.A., Italy).
By the use of dental stone (Silky Rock, USA) as investment
material, these
wax plates were invested in their corresponding flasks. After wax
elimination, a fine brush was used to spread the separating
medium onto
the exposed surfaces of warm, clean stone moulds.
HEAT-CURED ACRYLIC RESIN:
Powder and liquid of heat cured acrylic resin (Major Pro-dotti
Dentari,
S.P.A., Italy) were proportioned and mixed according to the
manufacturers
instructions.
Then the flask moulds were packed with acrylic resin material.
Packing was
done at the late dough stage indicated by the clean separation of
the resin
from the walls of the glassmixing jar.
The resin was cured in two steps polymerization, 70 C for 30
minutes, then
processed at 100 C for 30 minutes (according to the
manufacturers
instructions), in a thermostatically controlled water bath.
COLD-CURED ACRYLIC RESIN:
The powder and liquid were mixed, according to manufacturers
specification. Flasking (packing of cold-cure acrylic resin dough)
was
completed and specimens were cured and finished at room
temperature.
FINISHING AND POLISHING
All the acrylic resin specimens were finished by sand paper sheet
and
continuous water-cooling (to avoid over heating).While polishing
was
accomplished by using bristle brush and pumice with dental lathe
polishing
machine using low speed (1500rpm). The final glossy surface was
obtained
with wool brush and whitening on dental lathe, the specimens were
continuously cooled with water to avoid over heating during
finishing and
polishing to prevent distortion of the specimens.

10 samples were prepared of the heat-cured acrylic resin. They

were then
divided into 2 groups (5 for each test). The control group consists
of 10
samples also divided into 2 groups, prepared from coldcured
acrylic
denture base resin processed according to the conventional
method. Samples
of the both groups were tested for Tensile strength and Hardness
strength.
DIMENSIONS EXAMINATION:
All finished specimens were examined by the digital caliper.
DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE
Tensile test:
The tensile strength was measured by using the Monsanto
Tensometer (made in
UK, sn: TER/2/11140) equipped with grips suitable for holding the
test
specimen. Set at cross head speed of 0.5mm/min with a chart
speed of
20mm/min. The loads were measured by a tensile load cell with a
maximum
capacity (100kg). The recorded force at failure was measured (kg)
which
were converted into (N).
The values of tensile strength were calculated by the following:
T.S. = F/A
Where: - T.S. = Tensile strength (N/mm2); F = Force at failure (N);
A = Area of cross section at failure (m Hardness Test:
The Rockwell hardness test presses a steel or diamond
hemisphere-conical
penetrator against a test specimen and measures the resulting
indentation
depth as a gauge of the specimens hardness. The chief advantage
of using
this test for hardness testing is its ability to display hardness
values
directly, thus obviating tedious calculations involved in other
hardness
measurement techniques. The harder the material, the higher the
HR reading
The hardness test was measured using the Rockwell hardness test
(Testro HT
la-Diho wolpert-Werke LUDWIGSHAFEN .Rh). In the test, a minor
load (10kg)
is first applied; the test dial (measuring the indentation depth) is
set to
zero. Then a major load (150kg) is applied to create a full
indentation.
The major load is reduced back to the minor load, and the

indentation depth
measurement is taken.
Data: Rockwell C-Scale Hardness brale indenter, 150kg with steel
balls.
METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
Descriptive statistics which includes tables of Mean, Standard
deviation,
Standard error and graphical presentation (Bar chart) were used
along with
t-test in other to accept or reject the statistical hypothesis.
REFERENCE
.
Eyarefe, O. S. (2013). Comprehensive question and answers on the
science
and application of dental materials. 1st. Ed. Enugu: Tunde
Concept.
John J. Manapallil (2005). Basic Dental Materials. Jaypee Brothers
Medical
Publishers ltd New Delhi India. 2nd Ed.
Osborn, J. & Wilson H.J. (1978). Dental Mechanics For Students.
6th . Ed.
London: Staples Press.
Ralph W. Philips (1967). Science of dental materials. 7th ed.
London: W.B
saunders company; Pg. 108-205.
Shaw F.G. & Scot D.C (1968). Practical Exercise in Dental
Mechanics. The
Dental Technician publications ltd England. 3rd Ed
St. Louis Mosby C.V. (1994).The glossary of prosthetic terms; 6th
ed.