The use of microwave energy for processing acrylic resins.

Test strips of five different resins were processed with (1) microwaves by using a kitchen-type microwave oven, and (2) a conventional water bath. The strips were tested for hardness, porosity, and transverse strength. The results showed no significant difference between resin strips cured by either method. Maxillary dentures were waxed on stone casts of an aluminum model in another study. The dentures were processed with the same five resins, half by using microwave energy and the remainder with the water bath. The adaptation of the processed dentures to the aluminum cast was measured with feeler gauges. The results showed no statistically significant differences between dentures cured by either method. These studies demonstrated that the important physical characteristics of microwave-cured resin are approximately the same as resin cured in a conventional water bath. Curing dentures by microwave energy has the advantages of reduced curing time, ease, and cleanliness.