9. PMMA Flashcards
Definition of PMMA
Polymethylmethacrylate – acrylic resin
Error sources of dentures (2)
Production
Usage
Denture production error sources (3)
Initial impression is flawed – material and method not 100% accurate
Curing process – several potential error sources
May not achieve perfect fit at first attempt, so refinements at the chairside may be required
Denture usage error sources (4)
Fits patient only for short period
Fractures and warping
Discomfort
Surface suffers wear
Component of stress-strain diagram
Shows the difference between the elastic limit and the proportional limit
Definition of elastic limit
The limit at which the material will return to its original shape if distorted
Effect of high YM
Rigid/stiff - large stress produces small strain
Effect of high proportional and elastic limits
Only large stresses will cause permanent deformation
Effect of high thermal expansion
If cooled incorrectly, susceptible to internal stresses that can lead to fracture
Definition of thermal conductivity
Transmission of thermal stimuli to mucosa
Effect of high thermal conductivity
Avoid scalding back of throat or oesophagus
Effect of low density
Aid retention of upper denture (the heavier the material, the greater the gravity pull)
Type of acrylic resin bonding
Free radical addition polymerisation of the methacrylate monomer
Definition of free radical addition polymerisation
The chemical union of two molecules, either the same or different, to form a larger molecule without the elimination of a smaller molecule
PMMA free radical addition polymerisation involves molecules with C=C bonds
Stages in acrylic polymerisation (4)
Activation
Initiation
Propagation
Termination
Stages in acrylic polymerisation activation (4)
Activation of initiator to provide free radicals
The initiator is usually benzoyl peroxide (C6H5COO-OHCH5C6 – symmetrical)
Acrylic resin can be heat activated (>72C) or self-cured
Activation gives two free radicals: R* and C6H5COO*
Stages in acrylic polymerisation initiation
Free radicals break C=C bond in monomer and transfer free radical
Stages in acrylic polymerisation propagation
Growing polymer chain
Stages in acrylic polymerisation termination
Termination of polymerisation
Composition of heat-cured acrylic (2)
Powder (initiator, RMMA particles, plasticiser, pigments, co-polymers)
Liquid (methacrylate monomer, inhibitor, co-polymers)
Function of plasticiser in PMMA powder
Allow quicker dissolving in monomer liquid (dibutyl phthalate)