Statistical Comparison of the Hardness and Scratch-Resistance of the PMMA Polymers Used in Orthodontic Appliances

The paper presents the studies and results of the Shore hardness and scratch test of polymer materials used in medical devices. Polymers of organic PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)) origin for the manufacture of orthodontic appliances were tested. Samples of test materials differed in manufacturing technology. The surface functional properties of four materials were compared. Hardness tests were performed with the Shore D hardness test method. The scratch test was done with a Rockwell diamond cone indenter. The hardness was also calculated from the scratch test. Shore's highest hardness was demonstrated in 1A material. But the differences in Shore's hardness were small. Larger differences between the tested materials were shown in the scratch test than in the Shore hardness test. The lowest residual scratch depth (Rd) was obtained for 1A material. 3A material had the highest scratch hardness.