Exploring Polymeric Surfaces Manufactured Under Different Temperature Conditions—A Preliminary Experimental Study of Hardness

Bozhana Chuchulska, Mariya Dimitrova (), Boyan Dochev and Kliment Georgiev
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Bozhana Chuchulska: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Mariya Dimitrova: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Boyan Dochev: Department of Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Sofia, Branch Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Kliment Georgiev: Department of Mechanical and Instrument Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Sofia, Branch Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria

J, 2025, vol. 8, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: Polymers are essential materials in the fabrication of partial and complete dentures, where their mechanical properties directly impact durability, comfort, and clinical performance. This study examines the influence of different manufacturing temperatures on the surface hardness of polymeric materials used in dental applications. A total of 60 experimental samples with a rectangular shape of Vertex ThermoSens polymer (Vertex Dental, 3D Systems, Soesterberg, The Netherlands) were fabricated through injection molding at 280 °C and 300 °C and analyzed over time to assess changes in their properties. Hardness measurements, conducted using the EQUOTIP Shore D hardness tester (Proceq SA, Schwerzenbach, Canton of Zürich, Switzerland), indicated increased hardness over time, with higher values observed in samples fabricated at 300 °C. A two-way ANOVA was performed to evaluate the statistical significance of temperature and time on hardness, revealing a significant effect (F = 14.73, p = 0.0185). These findings suggest that processing polymers at elevated temperatures improves surface hardness, significant for denture longevity and patient comfort. Increased hardness contributes to greater wear resistance. Optimizing polymer manufacturing conditions can thus lead to improved clinical outcomes, ensuring more durable and biocompatible dental prostheses.

Keywords: polymers; injection molding; surface properties; prosthodontics; materials (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I1 I10 I12 I13 I14 I18 I19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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