Effect of microwave polymerization on the thermomechanical and surface properties of ocular prosthetic acrylic resins

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Flores-Espinosa, Luis Antonio^a | Torres-Teran, José Federico^a | Sánchez-Vargas, Luis Octavio^b | Ortiz-Magdaleno, Marine^c; | Gonzalez-Calderón, José Amir^d | Zabala-Alonso, Norma Verónica^e | Escobar-Barrios, Vladimir Alonso^f | Gutiérrez-Sanchez, Mariana^g | Sánchez-Balderas, Gregorio^d | Pérez-López, José Elías^d

Affiliations: [a] Department of Maxillofacial Prosthesis, División de Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico | [b] Department of Biochemical and Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Stomatology, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico | [c] Department of Specialty in Aesthetic, Cosmetic, Restorative, and Implantological Dentistry, Faculty of Stomatology, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico | [d] Department of Laboratory of Polymers, Institute of Physics, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico | [e] Department of Dental Science Advanced Education, Faculty of Stomatology, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico | [f] Division of Advanced Materials, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Cinetífica y Tecnológica, San Luis Potosí, Mexico | [g] Postgraduate Program, Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Stomatology, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Marine Ortiz Magdaleno, Specialty in Aesthetic, Cosmetic, Restorative, and Implantological Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava #2, Zona Universitaria, 78290 SLP, Mexico. E-mail: marine.ortiz@uaslp.mx

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Polymerization conditions affect the physical-mechanical properties of acrylic resins used for craniofacial prostheses. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microwave polymerization on the thermomechanical properties and surface morphology of ocular prostheses fabricated with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). METHODS:PMMA discs were polymerized with microwave energy and with conventional heat polymerization (CHP) method. Ocular prostheses were fabricated to determine whether there were changes according to the polymerization method. The surface morphology and roughness were observed under SEM and AFM. The Vickers Hardness number (VHN) and flexural strength were measured. Thermal properties were evaluated with TGA/DSC, and chemical composition with FTIR. RESULTS:The PMMA acrylic resin polymerized with microwave energy showed a smooth surface with some relief areas. In the internal surface of the ocular prosthesis with microwave energy the PMMA is more compact. The mean roughness values were higher and statistically significant with CHP (P < 0.05), while the surface hardness and flexural strength were higher with microwave energy (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:There were no changes in the calorimetry with either method, TGA showed an exothermic peak around 120 °C with CHP method. PMMA polymerized with microwave energy improved the mechanical and surface properties of the ocular prostheses.

Keywords: Ocular prosthesis, microwave, heat polymerization, surface properties, mechanical properties

DOI: 10.3233/BME-221433

Journal: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 34, no. 5, pp. 399-412, 2023