The Effect of Experimental Denture Cleanser Solution Ricinus communis on Acrylic Resin Properties

This study evaluated heat-polymerized (HPR) and microwave-polymerized acrylic resins (MPR), after immersion in water, 1% hypochlorite and Ricinus communis solution (RC). Knoop hardness, color alteration, roughness and flexural strength tests were performed after obtaining the specimens and after time intervals of 15 (T-15) and 183 (T-183) days. Variations in data (Delta) were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (P = 0.05). For Delta T-15 HPR there was greater variation in hardness when immersed in water (P = 0.00) and for MPR, after immersion in RC (P = 0.00). RC caused the greatest variation in roughness (P = 0.015). Color alteration was not significant (P = 24.46). Hypochlorite caused a decrease in flexural strength (P = 0.37). After Delta T-183, hypochlorite and RC caused a decrease in HPR hardness value (P = 0.00). MPR showed the greatest variation in roughness (P = 0.01). HPR presented the most color alteration after immersion in RC (P = 0.214). Hypochlorite and RC caused the lowest flexural strength values for MPR (P = 0.89). RC caused alterations in resin properties, and was not shown to be superior to hypochlorite.