Abstract
The objective of this paper was to review the acrylic based resins biodegradation phenomena. The general objectives are based on multidisciplinary research of biomaterials used in dental medicine. For this analysis, different types of polymers were evaluated for water absorption and mechanical strength degradation caused by exposure to saliva. Two sets of 10 specimens were prepared from the analyzed materials according to manufacturer recommendations. The mechanical properties determined on wet samples were lower than those of samples from the same materials, tested dry. Difference between the mechanical properties determined in wet and dry was higher for those materials in which the degree of water absorption was higher. This indicates a clear influence of saliva on the biodegradation of these materials. Key words: dental polymer, mechanical properties, saliva