The Effect of Resin Matrix Composition on Mechanical Properties of E-glass Fiber-Reinforced Composite for Dental Use

The effects of resin matrix composition including bis-phenol-A-diglycidyl dimethacrylate (bis-GMA)-methyl methacrylate (MMA) based or urethane dimethacrylate (UEDMA)-triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) based composition and storage conditions on the mechanical properties of E-glass fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) were studied. Three experimental groups ('Exper 1', 'Exper 2', 'Exper 3') with differing UEDMA to TEGDMA ratio in the matrix together with a control group ('Control')based on bis-GMA-MMA resin matrix were prepared by light-curing. The storage conditions for each group were dry storage at room temperature for 24 h and 30- and 60-day immersion in deionized (DI) water at 37 degrees C, which further divided each group into three subgroups. For all the four composition groups, mechanical properties including hardness, flexural strength and modulus in both three-point and four-point bendings were tested (n = 6), together with water sorption and solubility study (n = 6) and fracture site scanning with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental specimens were relatively strong and stiff in three-point bending compared to previous research. The same specimens in three-point bending had a lower flexural modulus and fractured at higher flexural stress than in four-point bending. According to the SEM images after fracture, some resin matrix was still bound to the fiber surface, showing cohesive-interfacial fracture type and relatively stable matrix-fiber adhesion. According to comprehensive analysis, the control group showed superior mechanical performance in most of the tests. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2011