Denture composite reinforced with short polyethylene terephthalate fibers

Abstract Polymer matrix composite materials have found application in dentistry because of good mechanical properties, aesthetic, easy processing, and possibilities of the repair. Acrylates are materials used to make and repair dentures. Reinforcements in the form of short glass or polymer fibers are added to improve the mechanical properties of dental polymers. In this study, the processing of composite material with a polymer matrix from commercial auto‐polymerized acrylate Simgal, with reinforcement in the form of short poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers was examined. Samples were processed in three series: pure Simgal, Simgal/PET 1 wt% and Simgal/PET 3 wt%. The influence of the reinforcement in the form of short PET fibers on the mechanical properties of composite materials was investigated. Strength and hardness were tested by impact testing and Vickers microhardness, and it was shown that there is an increase in absorbed energy and hardness. The modulus was reduced by the addition of PET fibers and by increasing the amount of fibers in the composite. The increase in the amount of PET fibers also resulted in a smaller loss of surface mass of the samples compared to the pure matrix by 63% and 93%, respectively. Cavitation test revealed better cavitation resistance of composites than the pure acrylate.