An investigation of the tear energy of five soft lining materials.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the tear energy of three silicone rubber materials and two acrylic resin soft lining materials in different solutions and times of storage. The tear energy of specimens stored in artificial saliva, denture cleanser and distilled water was measured over 1, 4, and 16 weeks, using a tensile testing machine. Data were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance and a Duncan multiple comparison test. Silicone rubber materials had the least tear energy. The type of material, time of storage and solution were statistically significant factors affecting on tear energy. The ability of the material to resist rupture during normal use (including constantly being in saliva and usually immersed in denture cleanser or water for storage) is of practical importance.