MECHANICAL, CHEMICAL, AND BOND ANALYSIS OF NOVEL EXPERIMENTAL AND COMMERCIAL COMPOSITES

Abstract

Objective: To compare and characterise commercial and control composites. By characterising these composites, target properties for new experimental dental composites can be outlined.

Materials and methods: Three commercial, and two experimental composites were compared and investigated. The composition of commercial materials was provided from published literature and manufacturer’s information. Mass and volume changes were determined using a four-figure balance, and density kit. Biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and modulus were obtained using an Instron testing machine. Adhesion of composites to ivory dentine was initially assessed using a push out test.

 Results: Mass change in water was 1.3 ± 0.1 %, and in SBF was 1.1 ± 0.1% for all materials. The volume changes in water were 2.2 ± 0.2 %, and in SBF was 1.6 ± 0.2 % for all commercial and experimental materials. The BFS declined by 33 % for commercial, and 39 % for experimental materials in 6 months. In case of modulus the highest decline was associated with Vertise flow at 49 %, with least decline of 23 % with commercial bulk filling materials. The push out force for composites within ivory dentine suggests maximum bond strength with experimental composite C-4META.

Conclusion: The experimental composite had the potential to compete with commercial composites in mechanical, chemical, and microscopic properties, without compromising the properties.