Evaluation of Flexural Strength and Radiopacity of Polymethyl Methacrylate Incorporated with Kenaf Fiber

Abstract

Conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a common material used in the fabrication of dental prosthesis in particular denture bases. Many studies investigate ways to improve its flexural strength to reduce the rate of denture fracture upon mishaps. This study aims to investigate the flexural strength of Kenaf fiber reinforced PMMA compared to conventional PMMA. Ten bar shaped samples for each group, were prepared using flasking method. All the samples were subjected to flexural strength evaluation using three-point bend test of Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and one specimen from each group was sent for Field Emission Scanning Electron Micrograph (FESEM) for fracture pattern evaluation. One specimen from each group was also assigned to Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for radiopacity evaluation. The results were analysed using the independent t-test and the significance level was set at 5%. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05) with regards to flexural strength values. Under FESEM observation, Kenaf fiber reinforced PMMA demonstrated rougher surface than conventional PMMA while CBCT yielded comparable radiopacity between the two groups. Within the limitations of the study, Kenaf fiber reinforced PMMA showed higher flexural strength than conventional PMMA however, both have similar radiopacity.