Numerical Analysis of the Bond Strength between Two Methacrylic Polymers by Surface Modification

The creation of acrylic dentures involves many stages. One of them is to prepare the surfaces of artificial teeth for connection with the denture plates. The teeth could be rubbed with a chemical reagent, the surface could be developed, or retention hooks could be created. Preparation of the surface is used to improve the bond between the teeth and the plate. Choosing the right combination affects the length of denture use. This work focuses on a numerical analysis of grooving. The purpose of this article is to select the shape and size of the grooves that would most affect the quality of the bond strength. Two types of grooves in different dimensional configurations were analyzed. The variables were groove depth and width, and the distance between the grooves. Finally, 24 configurations were obtained. Models were analyzed in terms of their angular position to the loading force. Finite element method (FEM) analysis was performed on the 3D geometry created, which consisted of two polymer bodies under the shear process. The smallest values of the stresses and strains were characterized by a sample with parallel grooves with the grooving dimensions width 0.20 mm, thickness 0.10 mm, and distance between the grooves 5.00 mm, placed at an angle of 90°. The best dimensions from the parallel (III) and cross (#) grooves were compared experimentally. Specimens with grooving III were not damaged in the shear test. The research shows that the shape of the groove affects the distribution of stresses and strains. Combining the selected method with an adequately selected chemical reagent can significantly increase the strength of the connection.