2008 Volume 27 Issue 4 Pages 640-642
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of autoclave polymerization on the transverse strength of denture base polymers. To this end, 30 rectangular test specimens were fabricated of two heat-polymerized denture base polymers. The test groups were: (I) control, i.e., conventional water bath to polymerize resins by heat at 100°C for 30 minutes; (II) autoclave polymerization at 60°C for 30 minutes followed by 130°C for 10 minutes; and (III) autoclave polymerization at 60°C for 30 minutes followed by 130°C for 20 minutes. The specimens were tested with three-point bending test at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. It was revealed that the transverse strength of specimens increased with statistical significance when the autoclave was used for polymerization.