Express-Method of Ranking of Polymer Materials by Energy Criterion Identification of Fracture Mode

To provide the functional adequacy, aesthetic qualities, and durability of the process of restoration of the elements of the dentofacial system, it is required to have the information on the properties of dental materials (physical, chemical, mechanical, technical, biological, etc). The method of acoustic emission is successfully used in the investigations of the materials’ properties providing live information on the development of damage or fracture. The dental polymers of the provisional prosthetic solution have been tested to determine their strength, plasticity, fracture toughness, water absorption, shrinkage, and microhardness. The authors have made a comprehensive ranking of polymers based on the experimental results. Using the energy identification criterion of fracture modes the percentage of brittle fracture for each material has been evaluated during tensile loading. The paper proposes a new express-method of the ranking of polymer materials, which allows one to significantly reduce material costs and time for experimental investigations.