Effect of five woven fiber reinforcements on the impact and transverse strength of a denture base resin

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Fracture strength of denture base resins is of great concern, and many approaches have been used to strengthen acrylic resin dentures. PURPOSE: This study measured the effect of 5 fiber strengtheners on the fracture resistance of denture base acrylic resin material. Impact strength, transverse strength, deflection, and elasticity modulus values of a heat-polymerized denture base resin (Trevalon), reinforced with glass, carbon, thin Kevlar, thick Kevlar, and polyethylene fibers in woven form were studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred acrylic resin test specimens reinforced with woven fibers were fabricated. The control group consisted of 20 specimens with no fiber reinforcement. For the impact strength test, a Charpy-type impact tester was used. Transverse strength was assessed with a 3-point bending test by using a screw-driven mechanical testing machine. Ten specimens were used for each test. RESULTS: The highest impact test values were produced by polyethylene-reinforced group, and the lowest values were obtained from specimens containing no fibers. There were significant differences among the test groups, but no significant differences in transverse strength were found. The lowest transverse strength values were obtained for specimens strengthened with polyethylene fibers, which also insignificantly decreased transverse strength of the acrylic resin. CONCLUSION: The impact strength of denture base acrylic resins was increased with fibers in woven form. Tested fibers did not have a significant effect on the transverse strengths.     

Flexural properties of polyethylene,glass and carbon fiber-reinforced resin composites for prosthetic frameworks

Abstract

Objective. High flexural properties are needed for fixed partial denture or implant prosthesis to resist susceptibility to failures caused by occlusal overload. The aim of this investigation was to clarify the effects of four different kinds of fibers on the flexural properties of fiber-reinforced composites. Materials and methods. Polyethylene fiber, glass fiber and two types of carbon fibers were used for reinforcement. Seven groups of specimens, 2 × 2 × 25 mm, were prepared (n = 10 per group). Four groups of resin composite specimens were reinforced with polyethylene, glass or one type of carbon fiber. The remaining three groups served as controls, with each group comprising one brand of resin composite without any fiber. After 24-h water storage in 37°C distilled water, the flexural properties of each specimen were examined with static three-point flexural test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Results. Compared to the control without any fiber, glass and carbon fibers significantly increased the flexural strength (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the polyethylene fiber decreased the flexural strength (p < 0.05). Among the fibers, carbon fiber exhibited higher flexural strength than glass fiber (p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed for flexural modulus and fracture energy. However, there was no significant difference in fracture energy between carbon and glass fibers (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Fibers could, therefore, improve the flexural properties of resin composite and carbon fibers in longitudinal form yielded the better effects for reinforcement.     

Fracture Force, Deflection, and Toughness of Acrylic Denture Repairs Involving Glass Fiber Reinforcement

Purpose: Fractures in acrylic resin dentures occur quite often in the practice of prosthodontics. A durable repairing system for denture base fracture is desired to avoid recurrent fracture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture force, deflection, and toughness of a heat-polymerized denture base resin repaired with autopolymerized resin alone (C), visible light-polymerizing resin (VLC), or autopolymerizing resin reinforced with unidirectional (Stick) (MA-FS) and woven glass fibers (StickNet) (MA-SN). Another group was repaired with autopolymerized resin after wetting the repair site with methyl methacrylate (MA-MMA) for 180 seconds. A group of intact specimens was used as control.
Materials and Methods: Heat-polymerizing acrylic resin was used to fabricate the specimens. The specimens (10 per group) were sectioned in half, reassembled with a 3-mm butt-joint gap, and repaired. A cavity was included when glass fibers were used. Three-point bending was used to test the repaired site, and data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and the Tukey's post hoc test (α≤ 0.05).
Results: Fracture force, deflection, and toughness for the repaired groups without reinforcement (MA: 46.7 ± 8.6 N, 2.6 ± 0.3 mm, 0.08 ± 0.001 J; MA-MMA: 41.0 ± 7.2 N, 2.7 ± 0.4 mm, 0.07 ± 0.002 J) were significantly lower ( p < 0.05) than the control group (C: 78.6 ± 9.6 N, 5.9 ± 0.4 mm, 0.27 ± 0.003 J). Repair with visible light-polymerizing resin (VLC, 15.0 ± 4.0 N, 1.2 ± 0.4 mm, 0.02 ± 0.0001 J) resulted in significant reduction of mechanical properties ( p < 0.05). Reinforcement with glass fibers restored (MA-SN: 75.8 ± 9.2 N) or increased (MA-FS: 124.4 ± 12.5 N) the original strength.
Conclusion: The most effective repair method was the use of autopolymerized resin reinforced with unidirectional glass fibers.     

An In-Vitro Evaluation of the Flexural Strength of Heat-Polymerized Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) Denture Resin Reinforced with Fibers

Fracture strength of denture base resins is of great concern and many approaches have been made to improve the fracture resistance of acrylic resin dentures by strengthening them. Purpose of the study was to assess the effect of a Novel pre-impregnated glass fiber reinforcement system and nylon fiber reinforcement on the flexural strength of conventional heat-polymerized poly(methylmethacrylate) [PMMA] denture resin under dry and wet storage conditions. Forty specimens of standard dimensions were prepared for each of the four experimental groups; unreinforced conventional acrylic resin and the same reinforced with unidirectional Stick (S) glass fibers, woven Stick Net (SN) glass fibers and nylon fibers. Each group was further subdivided into two groups of 20 specimens each on the basis of storage conditions (dry and wet). All 160 specimens were then subjected to a 3-point bending test and flexural strength was calculated. Statistical analysis was carried out using student t test and 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Stick and Stick Net glass fiber reinforcements enhanced the flexural strength of conventional heat-cured PMMA denture resin. Specimens reinforced with Stick glass fibers exhibited highest flexural strength followed by those reinforced with Stick Net glass fibers. Nylon fiber reinforcement decreased the flexural strength of acrylic resin. All the specimens in the four groups stored under wet conditions showed decrease in flexural strength in comparison to those stored in dry conditions. The reinforcement of denture base resin with pre-impregnated glass fibers may be a useful means of strengthening denture bases. Use of nylon as a reinforcement fiber is not desirable as it decreased the flexural strength of acrylic resin.     

The effect of fiber reinforcement on the fracture toughness and flexural strength of provisional restorative resins

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Fracture of provisional restorations is of concern, especially with long-span fixed partial dentures or areas of heavy occlusal stress. A number of different techniques for reinforcement of provisional restorations have been suggested; however, the effect of these techniques is largely unclear. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the fracture toughness and flexural strength of different types of provisional restoration resins reinforced with different commercially available fibers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 105 specimens were prepared in this study for each test; compact tensile specimens for the fracture toughness test and rectangular specimens for the flexural strength test. The specimens were divided into 3 groups according to the type of resin used, Jet, Trim, or Temphase (n=35), and then each group was divided into 7 subgroups (n=5) according to the type of fiber reinforcement, Construct, Fibrestick, Ribbond normal, Ribbond THM, Ribbond triaxial, or Fibrenet. Unreinforced specimens served as the control. Specimens were loaded in a universal testing machine until fracture. The mean fracture toughness (MPa.m(1/2)) and mean flexural strength (MPa) were compared by 1-way analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey standardized range test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Fibrestick and Construct reinforcements showed a significant increase (P<.0001) in mean fracture toughness over unreinforced controls for all resins tested. Fibrestick increased the polymethyl methacrylate from 1.25+/-0.06 MPa.m(1/2) to 2.74+/-0.12 MPa.m(1/2); polyethyl methacrylate from 0.67+/-0.07 MPa.m(1/2) to 1.64+/-0.13 MPa.m(1/2); and bis-acryl from 0.87+/-0.05 MPa.m(1/2) to 1.39+/-0.11 MPa.m(1/2). Construct increased polymethyl methacrylate to 2.59+/-0.28 MPa.m(1/2); polyethyl methacrylate to 1.53+/-0.22 MPa.m(1/2); and bis-acryl to 1.30+/-0.13 MPa.m(1/2); however, there was no significant difference between Fibrestick and Construct reinforcements in the degree of reinforcement. Similarly the mean flexural strength values were significantly increased by different combinations of fiber and resin (P<.0001). CONCLUSION: The addition of fibers to provisional resin increased both fracture toughness and flexural strength.     

Impact strength of denture polymethyl methacrylate reinforced with continuous glass fibers or metal wire

The impact strength of heat-cured acrylic resin test specimens that had been reinforced in various ways was compared in this study. Ten rectangular test specimens were fabricated for each test group. The strengtheners included 1.0-mm-diameter steel wire and continuous E-glass fibers. Both notched and unnotched test specimens were tested in a Charpy-type impact test. In a further analysis the concentration of glass fibers in the test specimens was determined and plotted against the impact strength of the test specimens. The results showed that, compared with the unreinforced specimens, both types of reinforcement increased the impact strength of the test specimens considerably (p < 0.001). There was no clear difference between the mean impact strength value of the test specimens reinforced with metal wire and that of the specimens reinforced with glass fiber. The correlation coefficient between the fiber concentration of the test specimens and their impact strength was 0.818 (p < 0.005). Specimens with fiber concentrations greater than 25 wt% yielded to the higher impact strength more readily than those with metal wire reinforcement did.     

玻璃纤维预拉伸对增韧光固化树脂基桩力学性能的影响

目的 研究玻璃纤维预拉伸对自行研制的高强玻璃纤维增韧光固化树脂复合材料（FRC）桩力学性能的影响。方法 利用加载装置将高强玻璃纤维分别拉伸0%、0.5%、1.0%后,按60%体积比浸入自行配置的光固化树脂基质,采用压膜法制成玻璃纤维增韧树脂基齿科桩,三点弯曲测试各试样的弯曲模量、弯曲强度和弯曲载荷,测试结果进行统计学分析。使用扫描电子显微镜观察FRC桩横截面和断裂面的形态。结果 玻璃纤维拉伸率对FRC桩的力学性能影响有显著差异,其中拉伸率为1.0%的玻璃纤维制成的FRC桩综合性能最佳,弯曲模量(20.40±1.40) GPa,弯曲强度(573.38±29.45) MPa,弯曲载荷(180.42±5.88) N,与未预拉伸的玻璃纤维增韧的FRC桩有显著差异(P<0.05)。结论 玻璃纤维预拉伸对FRC桩有增韧效果。     

Fracture Loads of All‐Ceramic Crowns under Wet and Dry Fatigue Conditions

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that fracture loads of fatigued dental ceramic crowns are affected by testing environment and luting cement. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eighty crowns were prepared from bovine teeth using a lathe. Ceramic crowns were prepared from three types of ceramic systems: an alumina‐infiltrated ceramic, a lithia‐disilicate‐based glass ceramic, and a leucite‐reinforced ceramic. For each ceramic system, 30 crowns were cemented with a composite resin cement, and the remaining 30 with a resin‐modified glass ionomer cement. For each ceramic system and cement, ten specimens were loaded to fracture without fatiguing. A second group (n = 10) was subjected to cyclic fatigue and fracture tested in a dry environment, and a third group (n = 10) was fatigued and fractured in distilled water. The results were statistically analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. Results: The fracture loads of ceramic crowns decreased significantly after cyclic fatigue loading (p≤ 0.05); furthermore, fracture loads of crowns fatigued in a wet environment were statistically lower than those in a dry environment (p < 0.05). Crowns luted with a composite resin cement showed statistically greater fracture loads than those luted with a resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (p≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Fracture load of the three ceramic systems was found to be influenced by ceramic composition. Moreover, cement and fatigue condition influenced the fracture loads of the crown specimens evaluated in this study.     

Fracture resistance of dentin-composite interfaces using different adhesive resin layers

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to study the effect of different adhesive layers on the interfacial fracture toughness (K(ICi)) of dentin-resin composite interfaces. METHODS: Miniature short-rod fracture toughness specimens containing a chevron-shaped dentin-bonded interface along their midplane were used for testing. Each interface zone contained a thinned (one coat of unfilled adhesive resin, air-thinned), one-layer (one coat of unfilled adhesive resin, brush-thinned), two-layer (two coats of unfilled adhesive resin, brush-thinned), 10% filled or 45% filled adhesive resin layer. After storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24h, the fracture toughness test specimens were loaded in tension at an extension rate of 0.5mm/min until fracture and the K(ICi) were determined. The results were analysed by ANOVA and Fisher's LSD test (p<0.05). Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine representative fracture surfaces. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean K(ICi) among the different unfilled adhesive resin layer groups. SEM examination of these specimens showed that fracture generally occurred between the resin-infiltrated layer and adhesive resin layer during interfacial fracture toughness testing. The mean K(ICi) for the 10% filled groups was not significantly different from the unfilled groups. The 45% filled group, however, demonstrated the highest K(ICi) values, the thickest adhesive resin layer under SEM examination, and a fracture path through the adhesive resin layer. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in K(ICi) when the unfilled adhesive resin was used despite different application methods. The 45% filled adhesive resin improved the properties of the dentin-composite interface with respect to both interfacial fracture resistance and dentinal seal after fracture.     

The effect of length parameter on the repair strength of acrylic resin using fibers or metal wires

Fractures of acrylic resin dentures occur quite often in prosthodontic practice. Autopolymerized acrylic resin is the most popular material for denture repair; however, it is significantly weaker than the intact heat-polymerized resin. Metal strengtheners or fibers have been used to reinforce the resin. This study investigated the fracture force, deflection, and toughness of a heat-polymerized denture resin that had been repaired either with autopolymerized resin alone or with autopolymerized resin that had been reinforced with metal wire or woven glass fibers. This study also investigated how these qualities were affected when the length of the strengthener was reduced. Sixty specimens were divided into six groups of ten (depending on the repair method), together with a control group of intact heat-polymerized resin specimens. The group repaired with autopolymerized resin alone reported significantly lower (p < 0.05) fracture force, deflection at fracture, and toughness when compared to the control. When metal wire or glass fiber at full or half-length was used for reinforcement, only the original fracture force was restored; deflection and toughness remained significantly lower (p < 0.05). Based on this study, it appears that the group reinforced with full lengths of metal wire offered the best potential for reinforcement.     

Impact strength of denture polymethyl methacrylate reinforced with different forms of E-glass fibers

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the reinforcing effect of different forms and concentrations of E-glass fibers on impact strength of denture polymethyl methacrylate. Materials and method. A total of 91 rectangular specimens (84 specimens for test groups and seven for control group) of a heat-cured acrylic resin were fabricated. The test specimens were prepared by modifying the polymethyl methacrylate with the addition of different concentrations (2.5%, 3%, 4%, 5% by volume) of three types (chopped strand mat, woven and continuous unidirectional fibers) of E-glass fibers. The impact strength was evaluated using the Charpy method. Results. While the 5% continuous glass fiber added test group showed the highest mean impact strength, the lowest value belonged to the 2.5% woven glass fiber containing group. When the impact strength values of chopped strand mat and continuous unidirectional glass fiber added groups at all concentrations were compared with the control group, the differences were statistically significant. The impact strength values of the woven glass fiber added groups at all concentrations were higher than that of the control group. However, the difference was non-significant. Conclusion. The impact strength of PMMA was enhanced by including E-glass fibers, increasing parallel with the fiber concentration.     

Fracture resistance of composite resin restorations and porcelain veneers in relation to residual tooth structure in fractured incisors

Abstract – The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is a direct correlation between the amount of residual tooth structure in a fractured maxillary incisor and the fracture resistance of composite resin restorations or porcelain veneers after cyclic loading. Sixty human‐extracted maxillary central and lateral incisors were mounted in an acrylic block with the coronal aspect of the tooth protruding from the block surface. The teeth were assigned to two groups: 2‐mm incisal fracture and 4‐mm incisal fracture. Then, the teeth were further divided into two different restoration subgroups, porcelain laminate veneer and composite resin restoration, therefore obtaining four groups for the study (n = 15). The specimens were subjected to 1000 cycles of thermocycling and were mechanically tested with a custom‐designed cyclic loading apparatus for 2 × 106 cycles or until they failed. The specimens that survived the cyclic loading were loaded on the incisal edge along the long axis of the tooth with a flat stainless steel applicator until they fractured using a universal testing machine to measure the failure load. Two‐way anova was used to assess the significance of restoration, amount of fracture, and interaction effect (α = 0.05). During the cyclic loading, for the composite resin group, two specimens with 2‐mm fracture and three specimens with 4‐mm fracture failed. For the porcelain veneer group, two specimens with 2‐mm fracture and one specimen with 4‐mm fracture failed. The 2‐way anova did not show statistical significance for restoration (P = 0.584), amount of fracture (P = 0.357), or interaction effect (P = 0.212). A composite resin restoration and a porcelain veneer could perform similarly for replacing a fractured incisor edge up to 4 mm. Other factors such as esthetic and/or cost would be considerations to indicate one treatment over the other.     

The effect of placement of glass fibers and aramid fibers on the fracture resistance of provisional restorative materials

The fracture resistance of provisional restorations is an important concern for the restorative dentist. The fracture resistance of a material is directly related to its transverse strength. Six specimens of similar dimensions were prepared from three resins (PMMA, PEMA and BIS acryl-composite). The resins were reinforced with glass and aramid fibers. The samples were tested immediately after the material set, following seven days of wet storage using three-point compression loading. The results were analyzed with an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Fracture resistance of the specimens was statistically different (p < 0.001) among the materials. Specimens reinforced with glass fibers showed higher transverse strength (149.82 MPa). The fiber reinforcement of resin materials increased the strength values (20-50%). Within the limitations of this study, the transverse strengths of PMMA, PEMA and BIS acryl-resin composites were improved after reinforcement with glass and aramid fibers.     

Effect of Two Methods of Reinforcement on the Fracture Strength of Interim Fixed Partial Dentures

Purpose: This study assessed the efficiency of reinforcing provisional restorations by adding a fine gauze metallic mesh or polyethylene fibers between the abutments spanning the pontic length. Materials and Methods: Forty‐five resin fixed partial dentures (FPDs) were constructed using three provisional resins. The three resin groups were further divided into three subgroups depending on their reinforcement. Specimens were loaded compressively, and the load required to fracture the specimens was recorded in Newtons. Data were presented as means and standard deviation values. A regression model with two‐way ANOVA was used in testing significance. Duncan's post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison (p≤ 0.05). Results: Duralay resin and Duralay fiber‐reinforced restorations showed the highest fracture‐resistance values, followed by Protemp and Snap, which showed statistically similar values. The three mesh‐reinforced resin restoration materials showed no statistically significant difference between their fracture resistance values. Reinforcement did not alter the fracture resistance of Duralay and Protemp resin subgroups, but significantly increased that of Snap, equalizing it with the other resins. The three resin materials had similar moduli. Significant alterations occurred after fiber reinforcement. Results showed that fiber‐reinforced Duralay resin showed the highest modulus values, while no statistical difference was found between the moduli of fiber‐reinforced Protemp and Snap. Regarding the mesh‐reinforced groups, Duralay had the highest modulus followed by Protemp and Snap. Reinforcements altered the modulus values of Duralay resin only. Mesh‐reinforced Duralay resin showed the highest mean modulus, but no statistically significant difference was apparent between fiber‐reinforced and control groups. As for Protemp and Snap resin subgroups, their moduli remained unchanged by reinforcements. Conclusion: Initially, Duralay resin had higher fracture resistance values than Protemp II and Snap. Fiber and mesh reinforcements increased the fracture resistance of Snap. No statistically significant difference was evident among the fracture resistances of the three mesh‐reinforced resin FPD restorations. The three resins had similar moduli. Fiber and mesh reinforcement increased the modulus of Duralay resin but did not change that of Protemp and Snap. Fiber and metal mesh reinforcements may alter the fracture strength and modulus of some, but not all, provisional resins.     

Compressive Fracture Resistance of Porcelain Laminates Bonded to Enamel or Dentin with Four Adhesive Systems

PURPOSE: To measure the compressive strength of porcelain laminates of 0.5 or 1.0 mm thickness when bonded to enamel or dentin using these resin cements: All-Bond 2 + Choice, Panavia 21, Scotchbond + Opal, and Super-Bond C&B. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The buccal and lingual aspects of human molars were sectioned to prepare specimens at least 3 x 3 x 3 mm in size. Thirty horizontally flat enamel surfaces were prepared with a diamond disc for each group using a milling machine. Ten enamel specimens were randomly selected to test the fracture strength of 0.5-mm thick porcelain laminates without resin cement, and the data were recorded for a control group. The enamel specimens of each group were divided into two subgroups of 15 specimens to bond with either 0.5- or 1.0-mm thick porcelain laminates. Four resin cements were used for bonding of individual groups. All bonded specimens were stored in 37 degrees C for 24 hours before fracture testing. The horizontally flat dentin surfaces were prepared on the fractured bonded specimens using a diamond disc for each group. Ten 0.5 mm porcelain laminates were randomly selected to test the fracture strength on dentin (control group). The bonded laminates to dentin were prepared using the same procedure as for enamel. The fracture strengths were statistically analyzed at alpha= 0.05. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in mean fracture strengths between groups were revealed. No significant difference in fracture strengths of control specimens between enamel and dentin was found. Super-Bond C&B provided a higher fracture resistance of porcelain than the other resin cements. Increasing the thickness of porcelain laminate increased the fracture strength. The 0.5-mm thick porcelain bonded to enamel had higher fracture strength than that of 1.0-mm thick porcelain bonded to dentin when using Super-Bond C&B and Scotchbond + Opal cements. CONCLUSIONS: Bonding techniques and curing systems of resin cements influenced the fracture resistance of porcelain laminates. Dry bonding with auto-polymerization of Super-Bond C&B resin provided the highest fracture resistance of porcelain. Porcelain bonded to enamel with this resin had a much higher fracture strength than when bonded to dentin.     

玻璃纤维的表面预处理对纤维增韧树脂基桩力学性能的影响

目的 研究不同表面预处理的高强玻璃纤维对纤维增强光固化树脂复合材料（FRC）桩的力学性能的影响。方法 将玻璃纤维分为4组分别进行以下表面处理：不预处理、450 ℃高温处理、450 ℃高温+10%HCl蚀刻1 h、450 ℃高温+10% HCl蚀刻3 h,然后将4组纤维经过硅烷偶联剂处理后按相同体积比浸入自行配制的光固化树脂基质中,用压挤法制成纤维增强树脂基桩。测试试样的弯曲模量、弯曲强度、弯曲载荷,扫描电子显微镜观察FRC截面和断裂面的形态。结果 不同表面预处理后的玻璃纤维对FRC桩的力学性能有显著差异,其中450℃+KH570组制成的FRC桩性能最佳,弯曲模量、弯曲强度、弯曲载荷分别为（37.70±1.46） GPa、（737.00±25.51） MPa、（196.53±6.80） N,与其余组有显著差异（P＜0.05）。结论 450 ℃高温+KH570处理玻璃纤维对FRC桩的增韧效果最佳。     

Reinforcement of Denture Base Resin with Glass Fillers

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of short glass fibers on the transverse strength of a heat-polymerized acrylic resin denture base material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups of specimens (n = 10) were fabricated according to the ISO standard for the transverse strength test. E-glass fibers were triturated to produce short fibers of different lengths. Specimens for Group 1 (control) were made of unfilled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). For group 2, the PMMA powder was modified with 0.1 g of dry glass fibers. For group 3, the PMMA powder was modified with 0.1 g of silanized glass fibers. For group 4, the PMMA powder was modified with 0.2 g of silanized glass fibers. A three-point loading test was used to determine the transverse strength of the tested specimens. The fracture surface of each specimen was evaluated using SEM. RESULTS: The addition of untreated glass fibers increased the transverse strength by 11% but produced some porosity in the polymeric matrix. The addition of silane-treated glass fibers increased the transverse strength of PMMA by 28% for group 3 and by 26% for group 4, and produced a dense structure for the polymer-fiber composite. CONCLUSION: The transverse strength of PMMA can be slightly increased by the addition of short glass fibers.     

The fracture resistance of teeth restored with different adhesive dowels

Abstract

Objective. Fiber-reinforced composite dowels are suggested to be a better alternative to metal dowels. This in vitro study evaluated the fracture resistance and fracture modes of teeth restored with nine different dowel systems. Materials and methods. Ninety mandibular pre-molar teeth were decoronated and nine homogenous groups were composed. Root canal and dowel canal preparations were made and nine different dowel systems were used to fabricate restorations. Core build-ups were made with a composite resin core material. Specimens were mounted in acrylic resin blocks and continuous compressive force was applied until fracture occurred. Fracture resistance and fracture mode data were collected. One-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov and one-way ANOVA tests were performed for the fracture resistance data of the groups. Results. There were no significant differences among the fracture resistances of the groups. All specimens of the pre-fabricated stainless steel dowel group fractured catastrophically. However, even in the worst-case, five specimens of the fiber-reinforced composite groups had favorable fracture modes. Conclusions. The teeth restored with fiber reinforced composite dowels were as resistant to fracture as teeth restored with stainless steel dowels. Fracture modes of teeth restored with fiber reinforced composite dowels were more advantageous than teeth restored with pre-fabricated stainless steel dowels.     

Microfracture behaviour of composite resins containing irregular-shaped fillers

Microfracture behaviour of composite resins containing irregular-shaped fillers was understood by filler morphology observation, fracture toughness test and acoustic emission (AE) detecting method. The fracture toughness (KIC) was obtained by using single edge notched specimens. AE, the elastic wave due to the debonding of filler from the resin matrix or the fracture of filler itself, was detected during fracture toughness test. The reasons for the different fracture toughness values of composite resin, in spite of having almost the same morphology and filler content, were understood by the results of fracture surface finding and AE releasing behaviour during fracture toughness test.     

Effe1ct of some properties of metal strengtheners on the fracture resistance of acrylic denture base material construction

In this study we investigated the effect of metal wire bonding to acrylic resin on the fracture resistance of an acrylic denture base material construction. Two different bonding methods were tested, and after measuring the resistance, the surface of the wires were examined by a scanning electron microscope. The effect that the placing of metal strengtheners in different positions in the acrylic resin had on the fracture resistance of the denture base material construction was also clarified. When three different positions of the metal wires in the acrylic resin were compared, the results showed that bonding of metal wire to acrylic resin somewhat enhanced the fracture resistance of test specimens, while the different positions of the wires had no effect on the fracture resistance.