The influence of lemongrass essential oil addition on some of the properties of the heat-cured acrylic resin material

Abstract

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used as a model for many different dental materials. However, PMMA appliances and products do not have the best mechanical properties. Various fillers and oils, such as bergamot essential oil, thymol, eucalyptus, mer ,maid and ginger, have been added to address this issue. So, this study looked at what happened when lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) was added to heat-cured PMMA denture base material and how it changed the properties of PMMA. Methods: 120 samples were prepared and split into four equal groups based on the tests that were done (the transverse strength, impact strength, surface roughness, and surface hardness), and each group their specimens were prepared and divided into three groups; control 0 vol.% without additive and two experimental groups (with 2.5 vol. % LGEO additive, with 5 vol. % LGEO additive) Results: The addition of 5 vol. % LGEO has the best effect on the acrylic's improved mechanical and physical properties (transverse strength, impact strength, and surface roughness) except for the surface hardness, which is less affected with the addition of 2.5 vol. % LGEO at p < 0.05. Conclusion: By adding LGEO to heat-curing acrylic material, it is possible to make a material with better mechanical and physical properties Keywords: Essential oils, Lemongrass essential oil, Mechanical properties, Physical properties, polymethylmethacrylate material.