Flexural strength of hydrogen plasma-treated polypropylene fiber-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate denture base material

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate flexural strength of hydrogen plasma-treated polypropylene fibers-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer composite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One control group with no fiber reinforcement and 9 polymer composite test groups with varying fiber weight percentage (2.5, 5, and 10 Wt%) and aspect ratio (3/220, 6/220, and 12 mm/220 μm) were prepared. Flexural strength was measured using Instron. RESULTS: All hydrogen plasma-treated polypropylene fiber-reinforced test groups obtained significantly higher flexural strength characteristics. Among the test groups, 6 mm long fibers reinforced in 10 Wt% showed superior flexural strength. CONCLUSION: Hydrogen plasma treatment on polypropylene fiber has a significant role in enhancing the adhesion between PMMA polymer matrix and the polypropylene fibers and thereby the flexural strength.