Flexural strength of glass-fibre-reinforced, self-curing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) structures: an in vitro study
Description
The present dataset comes from an in vitro experimental study carried out to evaluate the flexural resistance of self-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) reinforced with glass fiber. PMMA is an acrylic resin commonly used for provisional restorations because of its esthetic appearance, functionality, and durability. However, despite its advantages, the material may present mechanical weaknesses that can lead to fractures or structural failures when exposed to continuous functional forces over time. This study evaluated the use of glass fiber as reinforcement for PMMA combined with different materials in order to determine its effect on flexural resistance and maximum load capacity. A total of 50 standardized specimens were fabricated by the subtenants, and tested at the CIBO-UNIBE laboratory using silicone guides as molds. The samples were divided into two experimental groups, with 25 specimens in each group. Group A consisted of PMMA, glass fiber, silane, and flowable resin, while Group B consisted of PMMA, glass fiber, silane, flowable resin, and adhesive. All specimens were tested through a three-point bending test using the MT1-2K Universal Testing Machine at CIBO-UNIBE. The dataset includes variables related to group classification, flexural resistance values expressed in megapascals (MPa), and maximum load measurements. The results showed that Group A demonstrated higher flexural resistance values (55.71 MPa) compared to Group B (32.31 MPa), representing a 72.4% increase. In contrast, Group B presented a higher maximum load value (3.26 MPa) than Group A (2.63 MPa), corresponding to a 19.3% increase. Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test showed significant differences between groups for both flexural resistance (U = 453.0; p = 0.007) and maximum load (U = 181.0; p = 0.011), with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant The findings suggest that the reinforcement protocol for glass fiber should be selected according to the type of stress the material will be subjected to, while also highlighting the potential of these reinforcement methods to improve the mechanical performance of PMMA provisional restorations. This dataset may support future research involving dental biomaterials, reinforcement techniques for acrylic resins, and comparative or replication
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Steps to reproduce
A total of 50 standardized PMMA specimens were fabricated at the CIBO-UNIBE laboratory using silicone guides as molds. The samples were prepared in the form of rectangular plates and distributed into two experimental groups of 25 specimens each. Group A consisted of PMMA reinforced with glass fiber, silane, and flowable resin, while Group B consisted of PMMA reinforced with glass fiber, silane, flowable resin, and adhesive. The fabrication process included the incorporation of glass fiber into the PMMA structure according to the reinforcement protocol assigned to each group. Mechanical testing was performed using a three-point bending test with the MT1-2K Universal Testing Machine at CIBO-UNIBE. Each specimen was positioned horizontally on two supports separated by a distance of 80 mm. A load was applied perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sample at its midpoint using a cylindrical indenter with a diameter of 10 mm, at a constant crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until fracture occurred.The INSTRON data acquisition software automatically recorded the maximum load and flexural resistance values for each specimen. The dataset includes variables related to experimental group classification, flexural resistance expressed in megapascals (MPa), and maximum load measurements. Additionally, the fracture pattern of each specimen was documented through digital photographic records and classified according to its morphology. The collected data were organized and statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test to identify significant differences between groups. The results showed differences between the two experimental groups in both flexural resistance and maximum load values. Group A, composed of PMMA reinforced with glass fiber, silane, and flowable resin, demonstrated higher flexural resistance values, with a mean of 55.71 MPa, compared to Group B, which presented a mean value of 32.31 MPa. This represented a 72.4% increase in flexural resistance for Group A. In contrast, Group B, composed of PMMA reinforced with glass fiber, silane, flowable resin, and adhesive, showed higher maximum load values, with a mean of 3.26 MPa, while Group A presented a mean value of 2.63 MPa, corresponding to a 19.3% increase.
Institutions
- Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez UreñaNacional, Santo Domingo