Polymethylmethacrylate cement is characterized in terms of chemical
composition, handling characteristics, and physical properties; the dough
time, setting time, handling time, and temperature rise were found to be
most affected by environmental temperature and kneading of the dough mass.
As the set material ages, the residual monomer content gradually decreases
and the strength increases. A volume shrinkage of up to 5 per cent was
observed. The porosity, which is increased by rapid mixing, may reach 10
per cent. The mechanical properties of the cement approximate those of
polymethylmethacrylate denture base material. Some variability encountered
in the handling qualities of the cement could be attributed only to the
variability of different batches.