Evaluation of the frequency and temperature dependence of the dynamic mechanical properties of acetal resins.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the dynamic mechanical properties of two acetal resins (different colored samples of the same resin), an autopolymerized reline resin, and a heat-polymerized denture base resin. Measurements were obtained in two conditions, the frequency- and temperature-dependent conditions, using a dynamic viscoelastometer. The acetal resins exhibited lower loss tangent values than the autopolymerized reline resin and heat-polymerized denture base resin. With respect to temperature dependence, all of the materials displayed stable viscoelastic properties in the temperature range found in the oral environment. The acetal resin had both a glass transition temperature and a melting point, whereas the autopolymerized reline resin and heat-polymerized denture base resin had only glass transition temperatures. The results of this study suggest that acetal resin displays elastic properties when compared with the other 2 materials.