The Effect of Aging and Silanization on the Mechanical Properties of Fumed Silica-based Dental Composite

Statement of Problem: Mechanical strength and durability of dental composites are the main topics studied in this field of science today. This study examined fumed silica-based composite as a strong and durable restorative material through flexural and cycling test methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of silanization, ageing, cycling and hybridizing on mechanical properties of fumed silica-based resin composite. Composites were made of light-cured copolymer based on Bisphenol A glycolmethacrylate (Bis-GMA) and Triethylene glycoldimethacrylate (TEGDMA) at proportion of 50:50 which reinforced by fumed silica filler. For each composite sample, 5 specimen bars were made using Teflon mould (2 x 2 x 25 mm3). The samples with 12 wt% fumed silica (FS) were considered as a base line group. The samples were exposed to cyclic cold water (FS-CCW) and hot water (FS-CHW). The effect of silanization and adding more filler was studied together with samples containing 12 wt% (FS-S (12), 16 wt% (FS-S (16) and 20 wt% (FS-S (20) fumed silica filler. The filler was silanized with (γ-MPS). The degree of conversion was assessed with Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy. Flexural properties were evaluated with the Three-Point Bending test. Flexural data were analyzed with Excel software. Hardness was measured with an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The degree of conversion of the resin reached 74% within 24 hrs. Salinization allowed more filler to be wetted by resin. Addition of silanized particles from sample FS-S (12) to sample FS-S (20) improved the mechanical strength. Hybridizing fumed silica with nano-silica (FS-N) had no significant effect on the strength, but nano-hardness improved greatly. Ageing and cycling had adverse effects on the strength of the sample FS. The flexural strength of FS-CHW was 72% less than FS sample. Sample FS-N with low diluent and filler percentage complied with the requirements of flexural strength was established by ISO 4049/2009 and may be cost benefit to be used as a dental composite for clinical application.