Synthesis and characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate) polymerized by microwave energy or conventional water bath

Abstract

In this work, the influence of three different suspension agents (agar, sodium alginate, and gelatin) in the synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles is reported. Sodium alginate was the best suspension agent, obtaining characteristics closer to commercial denture base resins. Synthesized particles and two commercial acrylic resins (Acron MC and Lucitone 199) were characterized by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, characteristic X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and molecular weight measurements. Mechanical tests (transverse deflection behavior) were done using two heat-polymerizing techniques. The results indicated that both the PMMA particles and the commercial acrylic resins have similar characteristics. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.