Effect of polymerization methods on surface roughness and hardness of commercially available self-curing acrylic resins: a comparative study

Purpose This paper aims to compare the surface roughness and hardness of three commercially available self-curing acrylic resins for dental use, under different polymerization conditions. Design/methodology/approach A comparative in vitro study was conducted using a convenience sample of 12 × 5 × 2 mm blocks with n = 40 for each material (Nic Tone, Arias Plus and Orthocryl®), with subgroups according to the polymerization method: conventional (C) and polymerization under ambient conditions (A). The surface roughness of the materials was measured using a profilometer; hardness was measured with a portable hardness tester. Additionally, surface morphology as well as particles size and morphology were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. Findings There were significant differences in roughness and hardness values between the three self-curing acrylic resins (p < 0.05), as well as within each self-curing acrylic resin according to the polymerization method used (p < 0.05). The samples polymerized with the conventional method presented lower surface roughness and hardness values. Originality/value This study provides scientific evidence of values not provided by manufacturers in relation to the surface roughness and hardness of these materials, and all of them met the ideal minimum values of surface roughness, regardless of the polymerization technique used.