Functional Group Delineation and Double Bond Conversion of Dental Poly(methylmethacrylate) Resin Conjugated with a Spiroacetal Cross-linker: An In Vitro Characterization Research

IntroductIonPoly(methylmethacrylate) [P(MMA)] is a linear polymeric material inveterately used in dentistry for the fabrication of denture bases, dentures, obturators, orthodontic retainers, provisional restorations, and for the repair of dental prostheses.][3][4] In thermally polymerized P(MMA), there is an increased mobility of the molecules as the temperature rises resulting in high DBC. 5 However, the DBC is never complete and the resultant monomeric residuum (MR) in the polymerized material affects the properties of the P(MMA) materials. 6The DBC and MR are two distinct variables that are inversely proportional.Varying MR quantities remain after denture bases' polymerization. 7The unpolymerized MR leach in an aqueous medium continuously for 5 weeks post polymerization 8 which is higher in artificial saliva than distilled water. 9Inadequate DBC or high MR release causes denture's dimensional aberrations, thereby victimizing the polymer to internal stresses that lead to the formation/propagation of cracks and eventually, denture fracture. 10,11Therefore, increasing the DBC results in higher fracture toughness and other mechanical properties that may be ascribed to increased cross-linkage. 12Nevertheless, the unresolved setbacks