2018 Volume 62 Issue 3 Pages 359-364
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effects of fiber loading and pigmentation on the color differences and flexural properties of glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (GFRTPs), for use in non-metal clasp dentures (NMCDs).
Methods: The GFRTPs consisted mainly of E-glass fibers, a polypropylene matrix, and a coloring pigment: the GFRTPs with various fiber loadings (0,10, and 20 mass%) and pigmentations (0,1, 2, and 4 mass%) were fabricated by using an injection molding. The color differences of GFRTPs were measured based on the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) Lab color system, by comparing with a commercially available NMCD. The flexural properties of GFRTPs were evaluated by using a three-point bending test, according to International Standards Organization (ISO) specification number 20795-1.
Results: The visible colors of GFRTPs with pigment contents of 2 mass% were acceptable for gingival color, and the glass fibers harmonized well with the resins. The ΔE* values of the GFRTPs with pigment contents of 2 mass% obtained by using the CIE Lab system were lowest at all fiber loadings. For GFRTPs with fiber contents of 10 and 20 mass% at 2 mass% pigment content, these GFRTPs surpassed the ISO 20795-1 specification regarding flexural strength (> 60 MPa) and modulus (> 1.5 GPa).
Conclusions: A combination of the results of color difference evaluation and mechanical examination indicates that the GFRTPs with fiber contents of 10 or 20 mass%, and with pigment contents of 2 mass% have acceptable esthetic appearance and sufficient rigidity for NMCDs.
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