Strength and mode of failure of unidirectional and bidirectional glass fiber-reinforced composite materials

PURPOSE: The flexural strength of two commercially available dental fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) (glass fiber-reinforced composite material), one unidirectional and the other bidirectional, were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten uniform beams of core materials and ten beams of laminated core materials were fabricated for FibreKor and Vectris Frame. The specimens were subjected to a three-point bending test. Flexural strength for both FRC materials was determined with and without their composite laminations. The strength data were analyzed using the Weibull method. Modes of failure for both systems were determined using SEM. RESULTS: The strength of FibreKor was significantly greater than that of Vectris Frame when comparing the core materials with and without their respective composite laminations. Mode of failure of FibreKor was predominantly debonding with fiber fracture. Vectris Frame did not exhibit debonding failure. Mode of failure for Vectris Frame was fiber fracture with delamination and matrix microfracture. CONCLUSION: FibreKor, a unidirectional FRC, demonstrated higher flexural strength than Vectris Frame, a bidirectional FRC. Debonding of fibers from the matrix possibly contributed to toughening mechanisms such as crack deflection, fiber pullout, and fiber bridging in FibreKor.     

The flexural properties of fiber-reinforced composite with light-polymerized polymer matrix

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure the flexural strength and the elastic modulus of composite resin with and without reinforcing fibers and to evaluate the reinforcing effect of various fibers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A polyethylene fiber (Ribbond), a polyaramid fiber (Fibreflex), and three glass fibers (FibreKor, GlasSpan, Vectris) were used to reinforce composite resins. The flexural strength and elastic modulus of specimens in the three-point bending mode were measured using a universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min after storage in water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. All tests were carried out in a water bath at 37 degrees C. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Sheffé test at P= 0.05. After testing, the fractured surface was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope at 50x, 500x, and 3,000x magnifications. RESULTS: Yield flexural strengths of nonreinforced resins were 48 to 56 MPa, and those of reinforced resins were 56 to 134 MPa. Ultimate flexural strengths of nonreinforced specimens were 96 to 119 MPa, and those of reinforced ones were 203 to 386 MPa. Elastic modulus of nonreinforced resin was 6 to 9 GPa, and fiber reinforcing increased the value to 9 to 15 GPa, while it had no effect in Ribbond. CONCLUSION: Most of the fibers used in this study increased both yield and ultimate flexural strengths of composite resins, with the exception of the yield strength of Vectris. GlasSpan, Fibreflex, and FibreKor were effective in reinforcing elastic modulus, while Ribbond had no effect on it. Unidirectional glass fibers and polyaramid fiber were effective in reinforcing both flexural strength and elastic modulus of composite resin.     

Effect of water storage on the flexural properties of three glass fiber-reinforced composites

PURPOSE: The effect of water sorption on the flexural strength and flexural modulus of three fiber-reinforced composites was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bar-shaped specimens of each material were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. The flexural strength and modulus of each specimen were tested after the specimens were immersed in distilled water for 1, 7, 60, and 180 days. SEMs were taken to examine the mode of failure. The volume percentage of fiber content of each fiber-reinforced composite was experimentally estimated. RESULTS: The ascending order of flexural strength and modulus among the materials was generally: FibreKor < Stick < Vectris. The flexural strengths of Stick and FibreKor specimens at 1 and 180 days were not significantly different. Although the 180-day Vectris specimens possessed significantly lower flexural strength than the 1-day specimens, the flexural strengths of Vectris specimens at 1, 7, 60, and 180 days remained significantly higher than those of Stick and FibreKor. The difference in flexural modulus for each fiber-reinforced composite related to the duration of water immersion was not significant. CONCLUSION: Water immersion affected the flexural strengths of the three composites to a different degree but did not affect their flexural moduli significantly. For each duration of water immersion, the flexural property of the fiber-reinforced composite, in ascending order of significant difference, was: FibreKor < Stick < Vectris.     

Flexural properties of fiber reinforced root canal posts.

OBJECTIVES: Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) root canal posts have been introduced to be used instead of metal alloys and ceramics. The aim of this study was to investigate the flexural properties of different types of FRC posts and compare those values with a novel FRC material for dental applications. METHODS: Seventeen different FRC posts of various brands (Snowpost, Carbopost, Parapost, C-post, Glassix, Carbonite) and diameters, (1.0-2.1 mm) and a continuous unidirectional E-glass FRC polymerized by light activation to a cylindrical form (everStick, diameter 1.5 mm) as a control material were tested. The posts (n=5) were stored at room's humidity or thermocycled (12.000 x, 5 degrees C/55 degrees C) and stored in water for 2 weeks before testing. A three-point bending test (span=10 mm) was used to measure the flexural strength and modulus of FRC post specimens. RESULTS: Analysis of ANOVA revealed that thermocycling, brand of material and diameter of specimen had a significant effect (p<0.001) on the fracture load and flexural strength. The highest flexural strength was obtained with the control material (everStick, 1144.9+/-99.9 MPa). There was a linear relationship between fracture load and diameter of posts for both glass fiber and carbon fiber posts. Thermocycling decreased the flexural modulus of the tested specimens by approximately 10%. Strength and fracture load decreased approximately 18% as a result of thermocycling. SIGNIFICANCE: Considerable variation can be found in the calculated strength values of the studied post brands. Commercial prefabricated FRC posts showed lower flexural properties than an individually polymerised FRC material.     

Evaluation of some properties of two fiber-reinforced composite materials

OBJECTIVE: Water sorption, flexural properties, bonding properties, and elemental composition of photopolymerizable resin-impregnated fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) materials (everStick C&B and BR-100) (FPD) were evaluated in this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bar-shaped specimens (2 x 2 x 25 mm) were prepared for water sorption and flexural strength testing. The specimens (n = 6) were polymerized either with a hand light-curing unit for 40 s or, additionally, in a light-curing oven for 20 min and stored in water for 30 days. Water sorption was measured during this time, followed by measurements of flexural strength and modulus. A shear bond strength test was performed to determine the bonding characteristics of polymerized FRC to composite resin luting cement (Panavia-F), (n = 15). The cement was bonded to the FRC substrate and the specimens were thermocycled 5000 times (5-55 degrees C) in water. SEM/EDS were analyzed to evaluate the elemental composition of the glass fibers and the fiber distribution in cross section. RESULTS: ANOVA showed significant differences in water sorption according to brand (p < 0.05). Water sorption of everStick C&B was 1.86 wt% (hand-unit polymerized) and 1.94 wt% (oven polymerized), whereas BR-100 was 1.07 wt% and 1.17 wt%, respectively. The flexural strength of everStick C&B after 30 days' water storage was 559 MPa (hand-unit polymerized) and 796 MPa (oven-polymerized); for BR-100, the values were 547 MPa and 689 MPa, respectively. Mean shear bond strength of composite resin cement to the FRC varied between 20.1 and 23.7 MPa, showing no statistical difference between the materials. SEM/EDS analysis revealed that fibers of both FRC materials consist of the same oxides (SiO2, CaO, and Al2O3) in ratios. The distribution of fibers in the cross section of specimens was more evenly distributed in everStick C&B than in BR-100. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that there are some differences in the tested properties of the FRC materials.     

Short fiber reinforced composite: the effect of fiber length and volume fraction

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short fiber volume fraction and fiber length on some mechanical properties of short fiber-reinforced composite (FRC). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Test specimens (2 x 2 x 25 mm3) and (9.5 x 5.5 x 3 mm3) were made from short random FRC and prepared with different fiber volumes (0%-22%) and fiber lengths (1-6 mm). Control specimens did not contain fiber reinforcement. The test specimens (n=6) were either dry stored or thermocycled in water (x10.000, 5-55 degrees C) before loading (three-point bending test) according to ISO 10477 or statically loaded with a steel ball (? 3.0 mm) with a speed of 1.0 mm/min until fracture. A universal testing machine was used to determine the flexural properties and the load-bearing capacity. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p=0.05) and a linear regression model. RESULTS: The highest flexural strength and fracture load values were registered for specimens with 22 vol% of fibers (330 MPa and 2308 N) and with 5 mm fiber length (281 MPa and 2222 N) in dry conditions. Mechanical properties of all test specimens decreased after thermocycling. ANOVA analysis revealed all factors were affected significantly on the mechanical properties (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: By increasing the volume fraction and length of short fibers up to 5 mm, which was the optimum length, the mechanical properties of short FRC were improved.     

Probability of failure of veneered glass fiber-reinforced composites and glass-infiltrated alumina with or without zirconia reinforcement

PURPOSE: The probability of failure under flexural load of veneered specimens of a unidirectional glass fiber-reinforced composite (FibreKor/Sculpture), a bidirectional glass fiber-reinforced composite (Vectris/Targis), a glass-infiltrated alumina (In-Ceram Alumina/Vita alpha), and a zirconia-reinforced glass-infiltrated alumina (In-Ceram Zirconia/Vita alpha) was investigated; a metal-ceramic (PG200/Vita omega) system served as a control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten uniform beams of the veneered core materials were fabricated for each system and subjected to a three-point bending test. The data were analyzed using the Weibull method. The failure load of specimens at a 10% probability of failure (B10 load) was compared. The mode of failure was analyzed. RESULTS: The B10 load of the systems investigated was not significantly different from that of the metal-ceramic system. FibreKor possessed significantly higher B10 load than Vectris, In-Ceram Alumina, and In-Ceram Zirconia. The B10 strength loads of Vectris, In-Ceram Alumina, and In-Ceram Zirconia were not significantly different from one another. CONCLUSION: The probability of FibreKor to fracture under a flexural load was significantly lower than that of Vectris, In-Ceram Alumina, or In-Ceram Zirconia.     

Strength and elastic modulus of fiber-reinforced composites used for fabricating FPDs

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the flexural strength and elastic modulus of a new fiber-reinforced composite used for the fabrication of inlay-retained fixed partial dentures (FPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of six materials were used: Vectris, FibreKor, and an experimental material, BR-100, were the types of glass fiber preimpregnated with resin used for making the frameworks; Targis, Sculpture, and Estenia were used as the veneering composites. Five specimens of each material were prepared. Flexural strength and elastic modulus were determined using the three-point bending test. In addition, laminate specimens were fabricated by combination of the veneering composite and framework materials (Targis/Vectris, Sculpture/FibreKor, and Estenia/BR-100), and fracture loads of these specimens were determined. Laminate specimens were fabricated with three different framework thicknesses for Estenia/BR-100. RESULTS: Estenia had the greatest strength and highest modulus of elasticity of the veneering composites. All three framework materials had flexural strength values (567 to 686 MPa) more than three times as great as those of the veneering composites (132 to 193 MPa). Of the laminate specimens, the Estenia/BR-100 with a framework thickness of 1.0 mm had a fracture load more than 50% greater than Targis/Vectris and Sculpture/FibreKor. CONCLUSION: The combination of the experimental framework material BR-100 and the composite Estenia showed higher fracture loads than the other combinations tested.     

Effect of water storage on the impact strength of three glass fiber-reinforced composites.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of water sorption on the impact strengths of two pre-impregnated fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) and one impregnated FRC were studied. All FRCs were available clinically. METHODS: Eight 1.0 mm x 2.0 mm x 25.0mm bar-shaped specimens of each material were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions. The impact strength of each specimen was tested (adoption from ISO 179-1 Plastics-Determination of Charpy impact properties) after the specimens were immersed in 23.0+/-1 degrees C distilled water for seven, 60 and 180 days. The data were analyzed using the Weibull method. Scanning electron micrographs were taken to examine the mode of failure. RESULTS: Weibull analysis of the B10 strength of the FRCs showed that the difference in impact strength for each FRC due to the duration of water immersion was not significant (P>0.05). The impact strength of pre-impregnated E-glass FRC (Vectris) (75 kJ/m(2)) was not significantly different from the pre-impregnated S-glass FRC (FiberKor) (66 kJ/m(2)) (P>0.05). The impregnated FRC possessed impact strength (42 kJ/m(2)) that was not significantly different from the pre-impregnated S-glass FRC but was significantly lower than the pre-impregnated E-glass FRC. x100 SEMs of the three types of FRC specimens revealed fiber failure to be the predominant mode of failure. SIGNIFICANCE: Water immersion up to 180 days duration did not significantly affect the impact strength of three FRCs. The impact strength of the impregnated FRC was not significantly different from the pre-impregnated S-glass FRC but was significantly lower than the pre-impregnated E-glass FRC.     

Effect of diameter of glass fibers on flexural properties of fiber-reinforced composites

This study investigated the effect of the diameter of glass fibers on the flexural properties of fiber-reinforced composites. Bar-shaped test specimens of highly filled fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) and FRC of 30 vol% fiber content were made from a light-cured dimethacrylate monomer liquid (mixture of urethane dimethacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate) with silanized E-glass fibers (7, 10, 13, 16, 20, 25, 30, and 45 microm in diameter). Flexural strength and elastic modulus were measured. The flexural strength of the highly filled FRCs increased with increasing fiber diameter. In particular, the strengths of highly filled FRCs with 20-, 25-, 30-, and 45-microm-diameter fibers was significantly higher than the others (p<0.05). The flexural strength of FRC of 30 vol% fiber content increased with increasing fiber diameter, except for the FRC with 45-microm-diameter fibers; FRCs with 20-, 25-, and 30-microm-diameter fibers were significantly stronger than the others (p<0.05). Therefore, it was revealed that the diameter of glass fibers significantly affected the flexural properties of fiber-reinforced composites.     

Shear bond strength of a light-cured veneering composite to fiber-reinforced composite substrates

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength of a veneering composite to 2 differently treated fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) substrates and to a base metal alloy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A veneering composite (SR Adoro) was bonded to the following substrates: (1) a nickel-chromium base metal alloy (control, group A), (2) an FRC substructure (Vectris) with a flat surface (group B), and (3) an FRC substructure (Vectris) with retentive rods 0.5 x 0.5 mm in cross section and 10 mm in length, positioned parallel to each other at a distance of 0.5 mm (group C). Thirty-nine specimens were fabricated and divided into 3 groups of equal size. All specimens were thermocycled for 5,000 cycles at 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C with dwell time of 30 seconds in each bath. Evaluation of shear bond strength was performed at a constant crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min according to ISO 10477. RESULTS: The mean values for the shear bond strength were 19.29 MPa for the control group (group A), 16.66 MPa for group B, and 16.74 MPa for group C. Despite a tendency to higher bond strength of group A specimens, no statistically significant difference was recorded between the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant difference was found between the metal and FRC substructures. Retentive rods on the FRO substructure do not seem to increase the bond strength significantly.     

Acoustic emission analysis of fiber-reinforced composite in flexural testing.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the emission of acoustic signals from six commercially available fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) used in the frameworks of fixed partial dentures in material bending. METHODS: FRC test specimens were made of six commercially available fiber products of polyethylene or glass and five light-curing resins. FRC test specimens were polymerized with a hand light-curing unit or with a light-curing oven. The flexural test for determination of ultimate flexural strength of test specimens (n = 6) was based on the ISO 10477 standard after the specimens were stored in air or in water for two weeks. The acoustic emission (AE) signals were monitored during three-point loading test of the test specimens using a test with increasing loading levels until the specimens fractured. RESULTS: Generally, stress level required for the AE activity initiation ranged from 107 MPa (Ribbond) to 579 MPa (everStick). The ultimate flexural strength of FRC specimens were higher, ranging from 132 to 764 MPa, being highest with everStick and Vectris FRC, and lowest with Ribbond FRC. ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference between the initiation of AE activity and the ultimate flexural strength according to the brand (p < 0.001) storing conditions (p < 0.001) and polymerization procedure (p < 0.001). AE activity and ultimate flexural strength correlated significantly (p < 0.010, r = 0.887). SIGNIFICANCE: The result of this study suggested that AE activity in FRC specimens started at a 19-32% lower stress level than occurred at final fracture.     

Water sorption and dimensional stability of three glass fiber-reinforced composites

PURPOSE: Water sorption and dimensional stability of three fiber-reinforced composites were studied. Two composites (Vectris, FibreKor) were resin impregnated industrially, and one composite (Stick) was polymer preimpregnated but required further manual impregnation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bar-shaped specimens of each material were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions. The water sorption and dimensional change of each specimen were calculated according to the change in its weight and dimension before and after immersion. Specimens were immersed in distilled water for 1, 7, 60, and 180 days. SEMs were taken to examine the quality of the fiber-matrix interface. The volume percentage of fiber content of each fiber-reinforced composite was experimentally estimated. RESULTS: A general trend of increasing water sorption for each immersion period according to the material type was: Vectris < FibreKor < Stick. There were no significant differences in dimensional change among the materials and immersion periods. CONCLUSION: The preimpregnated fiber-reinforced composite (Stick) showed higher water sorption than the industrially impregnated fiber-reinforced composites (Vectris, FibreKor). Despite a variation in the water sorption of the fiber-reinforced composites studied, all were within a 32 microg/mm3 criterion established by the ISO. The magnitude of dimensional change was small enough that it should not raise any significant clinical concern.     

Fracture resistance of fiber-reinforced composite restorations with different framework design

OBJECTIVES. Veneer fracture and bond deficiency between framework and veneer are typical failures of fiber-reinforced inlay fixed partial dentures (FPD). An eccentric load point on the pontic was used in this study to investigate the fracture resistance of FPDs with different framework designs. As null hypothesis, it was assumed that fracture resistance was not influenced by the fiber framework supporting the veneer. METHODS. Four groups of Vectris/Adoro FPDs (4 x n=10 each) were manufactured. Beams (25 mm length) of Vectris Pontic (parallel aligned) with (a) rectangular (3 x 3) sectional view and (b) circular sectional view (theta 3 mm) were directly veneered using Adoro. (c) Circular beams like "b" were modified, i.e. those on the upper side were coated with two layers of the cross-sectioned fiber mat Vectris frame. (d) Vectris Pontic fibers were "anatomically" placed in the pontic area and wrapped using Vectris Frame. The frameworks were constructed in a vacuum/pressure process. All FPDs were mounted in a restrained-end apparatus and thermally cycled and mechanically loaded (TCML: 6000 x 5 degrees C/55 degrees C; 1.2 x 10(6) x 50 N, 1.66 Hz). After TCML, the FPDs were loaded to fracture. RESULTS. All FPDs surpassed TCML, with no visible damage to the veneer or framework. Without transversal enlargement of the framework, additional cross-sectioned fiber mats alone did not improve resistance to fracture (a: 573+/-158 N (mean, standard deviation given); b: 737+/-66 N; c: 694+/-93 N; d: 902+/-149 N). Fracture lines occurred only in the veneer; the fiber frameworks were never affected. CONCLUSIONS. Anatomical enlargement of the fiber framework at the pontic area (height, width) to support the veneer material improves the fracture resistance of fiber-reinforced FPDs.     

Effect of water storage, thermocycling, the incorporation and site of placement of glass-fibers on the flexural strength of veneering composite.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of water storage, thermocycling, and the incorporation of glass-fibers, on the flexural strength of veneering composites. METHODS: Veneering composites with different fillers, matrices and polymerization methods (Belleglass Kerr Inc., Orange, CA, USA; Sculpture, Pentron Inc. Wallingford CT, USA; Sinfony, 3M Espe, Seefeld, Germany; SR Adoro LC and HP, Targis, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), a glass-fiber framework material (Vectris Pontic VP, Ivoclar Vivadent) and a direct restorative composite control (Tetric Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent) were selected. For the first part of the study, 30 bar specimens (25 x 2 x 2 mm3) per material were fabricated. Ten were stored for 24 h and 10 for 14 days in water at 37 degrees C. Ten were thermocycled (3000 x; 5-50-5 degrees C). Three-point bending tests (crosshead speed: 0.5 mm/min) were performed. For the second part of the study, all veneering materials were combined with a glass-fiber framework (VP). Sixty specimens were produced for each material (25 x 4 x 2 mm3) and treated as in the first part. Three-point bend tests were performed with the reinforcing glass-fiber framework either on the tension or the compression side. Data was evaluated by ANOVA and Weibull analysis. RESULTS: A decrease in flexural strength was observed after water storage or thermocycling for all veneering materials tested. None of the tested materials exhibited significant advantages compared to the control. The flexural strength of glass-fiber reinforced frameworks was ten times higher and not influenced by water storage or thermocycling. A significant reinforcing effect from glass fibers was observed when they were placed on the tension but not when placed on the compression side. SIGNIFICANCE: A glass-fiber framework on the tension side significantly improved the flexural strength of veneering composites. There was less deterioration due to water storage and thermocycling with the glass-fiber reinforced veneering composite compared to the non-reinforced materials.     

Adhesive strength between fiber-reinforced composites and veneering composites and fracture load of combinations of these materials

PURPOSE: This study examined the influence of the adhesive strength between fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) and veneering composites on the fracture load of combinations of these materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six materials were used. An experimental material called BR-100, Vectris, and FibreKor were the types of FRC. Estenia, Targis, and Sculpture were used as veneering composites. With the Estenia/BR-100 combination, the surface of the FRC was subjected to three different conditions before veneering. Ten specimens of each combination were fabricated and divided into two groups: One group was stored in 37 degrees C distilled water for 24 hours, and the other was thermocycled (4 degrees C/60 degrees C, 10,000 cycles). Adhesive strength between FRCs and veneering composites was determined using the compressive shear strength test. In addition, fracture loads of laminate specimens were determined. RESULTS: Good adhesive strength was obtained by leaving an unpolymerized layer on the surface of the FRC or by performing silane and bonding treatment. In the Estenia/BR-100 combination, when the adhesive strength was low, the fracture load of the laminate specimens was also low. However, the difference in fracture load was not as large as that seen in adhesive strength. The fracture load of each laminate specimen was significantly lower after thermocycling. CONCLUSION: The adhesive strength between the FRCs and veneering composite had an effect on the fracture load of the combination.     

The effect of fiber position and polymerization condition on the flexural properties of fiber-reinforced composite

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the position of the fiber rich layer on the flexural properties of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) construction. In addition, the total residual monomer content of FRC was quantitatively determined to find out the difference of the effectiveness of two types of light-curing units using liquid chromatography (HPLC). Unidirectional continuous E-glass FRC and hybrid particulate filler composite resins were used in the fabrication of test specimens. Four different positions of the FRC layer were used: compression, neutral, tension, and vertical side position. A three-point bending test (ISO 10477) was performed to measure the flexural properties of the specimens. Position of the FRC layer had a significant effect on the flexural strength (p<0.001, ANOVA). Also, the type of light-curing device had an effect on flexural strength (p<0.001). Specimens with FRC positioned on the compression side showed flexural strength of approximately 250 MPa, whereas FRC positioned on the tension side showed strength ranging from 500 to 600 MPa. Mean flexural modulus with FRC placed horizontally ranged between 9-12 GPa; no significant difference was found between these groups. However when fiber reinforcement was positioned vertically, the flexural modulus raised up to 16 GPa. Specimens with 24 vol% glass fibers contained 52% less residual monomer than specimens without glass fibers. The monomer content was lower in specimens polymerized with the curing device with higher polymerization temperature. In order to optimize flexural strength of low fiber volume fraction, the fibers should be placed at the tension side of the specimen.     

Effect of fiber position and orientation on fracture load of fiber-reinforced composite

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fiber position and orientation on the initial and final fracture loads of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC). METHODS: Test specimens made of two indirect particulate composites (BelleGlass HP, Kerr, Orange, CA) or (Targis, Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY) were reinforced with ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber ribbon (Connect, Kerr, Orange, CA), woven E-glass fibers (Vectris Frame, Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY) or unidirectional R-glass fibers (Vectris Pontic, Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, NY). Fibers were placed with different positions, orientations or geometry into the rhombic test specimens (2 x 2 x 25 mm3). Control specimens did not contain fiber reinforcement. The test specimens (n=6) were stored in distilled water for 1 week at 37 degrees C before testing in a three-point loading test to determine the initial and final fracture load values. RESULTS: Initial failure loads varied from 22.6 to 172.1 N. The lowest value resulted from one UHMWPE reinforcement fiber located in diagonal orientation and the highest from two unidirectional glass fiber reinforcements, one located on the tension side and the second on the compression side. SIGNIFICANCE: Position and fiber orientation influenced the load to initial and final failure, and specimen deflection. Tension side reinforcement was most effective in increasing the load to initial and final fracture.     

Fracture strength and bond capacities of electron irradiated fiber reinforced composites

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of electron irradiation on the fracture strength, elongation and bond capacities on different fiber reinforced composites (FRC). METHODS: Thirty-two bending bars (25mmx2mmx2mm) were fabricated per material (Construct: Kerr, Rastatt, Germany; everStick: StickTech, Turku, Finland; FibreKor: JenericPentron, Wallingford/CT, USA), divided into four irradiation groups (0kGy, 15kGy, 33kGy and 100kGy) and fracture loaded after irradiation. Forty-eight plates (20mmx10mmx2mm) of the FRC materials were made and divided into different pretreatment (Clearfil SE Bond Bond: Kuraray Europe, Düsseldorf, Germany; SRLink: Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein; MetalPrimerII: GC, Tokio, Japan; Rocatec: 3M Espe, Seefeld, Germany) and irradiation (0kGy, 15kGy and 33kGy) groups. After irradiation of the pretreated plates the veneering composite Sinfony (3M Espe, Seefeld, Germany) was applied (area ?=5mm), water stored for 120 days and then the shear bond strength (SBS) was evaluated. Medians and 25%/75%-percentiles were calculated, statistical analysis was performed (Mann-Whitney U-test: p相似文献   

Comparison of three types of fiber-reinforced composite molar crowns on their fracture resistance and marginal adaptation

Three types of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) molar crowns were tested on their fracture resistance and marginal adaptation under simulated oral stress conditions. Two glass fiber systems, one processed with a vacuum/pressure system, the other by manual fiber adaptation, and a polyethylene fiber system were evaluated. Every group consisted of 12 crowns.All crowns were luted adhesively on human molars and exposed to thermal cycling and mechanical loading (TCML: 6000 x 5 degrees C/55 degrees C; 1.2 x 10(6) x 50N; 1.66Hz). The marginal adaptation was evaluated through dye-penetration and analyzed semi-quantitatively with a scanning electron microscope. The fracture resistance was measured using a Zwick universal testing machine.The highest fracture resistance was observed on the glass-fiber systems (FibreKor/Sculpture 1875N +/- 596; Vectris/Targis 1726+/-542), though statistically, the polyethylene system (belleGlass/Connect 1388+/-620) was not significantly weaker. All systems exceeded the fracture resistance required to withstand the maximum masticatory forces expected in the molar region. The marginal adaptation generally had a tendency towards larger gaps after TCML. The crown/composite-cement bond deteriorated significantly after TCML with the manual fiber adaptation and the polyethylene fiber system. The cement/tooth bond strength depended on which composite-cement/dentin-adhesive system was used. CONCLUSION: The fracture resistance of molar crowns made of glass-fiber reinforced composite was higher than those of polyethylene fiber-reinforced composite crowns. However, there was no statistically significant difference. The marginal adaptation seems to depend on the fiber systems and composite-cement/dentin adhesive system used.