Chemical Structure and Physical Properties of Heat-cured Poly(methyl methacrylate) Resin Processed with Cycloaliphatic Comonomer: An Study.

Aim: The purpose of this research is to chemically characterize polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) processed with 10% and 20% (v/v) tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (TCDDMDA) comonomer. It also aimed to assess the degree of conversion (DC) and glass transition temperature () of the formed copolymers.

Materials And Methods: The experimental groups were processed with the TCDDMDA comonomer (10% and 20% v/v), whereas the control group was processed only with the methyl methacrylate monomer. The copolymerization was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The surface characteristics and composition (wt%) were studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy (cuboidal specimen; 5 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm), respectively. The DC and of the formed copolymers (powdered form) were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. One-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni test was used to compare the mean values of DC% and among the groups.

Results: The newly formed copolymer [P(MMA--TCDDMDA)] was chemically characterized by NMR and FESEM-EDX. The DC and of the experimental groups were higher than the control. Tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate at 20% (v/v) concentration showed the highest DC and .

Conclusion: The addition of TCDDMDA comonomer improved the DC and of the formed copolymer.

Clinical Significance: The P(MMA--TCDDMDA) copolymer is expected to improve the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the denture base acrylic resin. This would result in improved denture quality and durability, thereby, imparting a better quality of life to the geriatric population.