Purpose: This study evaluated the cumulative effects of different microwave power levels on the physical properties of two poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) denture base resins.
Materials and methods: Eight sets of four PMMA specimens each (two polymerized in a water bath and two using microwave energy) were immersed in beakers containing 200 ml of distilled water. Each beaker was subjected to microwave irradiation for 3 minutes at a power level of 450,630, or 900 W. The surface roughness, surface hardness, linear stability, flexural strength, elastic modulus, impact strength, and fractographic properties were evaluated after either 6 or 36 simulated disinfection cycles. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test (α= 0.05).
Results: The polymerization method did not influence any property (p > 0.05) except linear stability. The surface roughness (p < 0.001) and hardness (p= 0.011) increased after 36 irradiation cycles at 630 or 900 W. The resin polymerized using microwave energy exhibited greater linear distortion (p= 0.012), and there was a cumulative effect on linear stability for both resins (p < 0.001). No significant change (p > 0.05) was observed in flexural strength; however, the elastic modulus decreased (p= 0.008) after 36 disinfection cycles. The impact strength and crack propagation angles displayed no significant differences (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that microwave disinfection at 450 W to 630 W for 3 minutes is safe for PMMA.
© 2011 by the American College of Prosthodontists.