Effect of One- and Two-Step Processing Techniques on Flexural Strength of Denture Base Acrylic Resin in Dry and Wet Conditions

This study compared the flexural strength (FS) of heat-cure acrylic resin following one- and two-step processing techniques in dry and wet conditions.  

In this in vitro study, 60 acrylic specimens (3×10×65 mm) were fabricated (ISO20795-1) and flasked using a type III dental stone. The specimens were heated to 70°C for one hour and baked for 30 minutes at 100°C. After cooling and polishing, 30 specimens were randomly selected; of which, 15 were stored in 37°C water, and 15 in dry condition for one month. The remaining 30 were flasked again, baked, and divided into two subgroups for storage in dry and wet conditions. The FS of specimens was measured by a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α=0.05).

The mean FS was 57.5±4.8 MPa and 61.7±4 MPa for specimens subjected to one-step processing and stored in wet and dry conditions, respectively. These values were 56.6±4 MPa and 64.7±2.9 MPa for specimens subjected to two-step processing and stored in wet and dry conditions, respectively (P<0.05). The difference in FS of specimens stored in dry and wet conditions was significant (P<0.05).

The two-step processing technique increased the FS while water storage decreased the FS of acrylic resin. FS of specimens subjected to one-step processing with water storage was slightly higher than that of specimens subjected to two-step processing with water storage. FS experienced a greater reduction following two-step processing in a wet environment compared with one-step processing.