Comparison of the visco-elastic behavior of a pre-impregnated reinforced glass fiber composite with resin-based composite

Objectives. The visco-elastic behavior of a pre-impregnated reinforced glass fiber composite (everStick(R)) was compared with a resin-based particulate composite (Filtek(TM) P60) by using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to determine their storage modulus (E') and damping ratio (tan delta). Methods. These materials were subjected to three-point bend tests using a PerkinElmer DMA7. In temperature mode, the temperature was increased from 26 to 140 degrees C at 1 Hz. In frequency mode, the range was 1-10 Hz at a constant temperature of 37 degrees C. Results. In both temperature and frequency modes, E' for everStick(R) was significantly higher and tan delta was significantly lower than those for Filtek(TM) P60, indicating that the stiffness of the pre-impregnated glass fiber composite was higher and its damping property was lower than those for resin-based particulate composite. Significance. The glass fiber restorative composite appears to absorb less energy in repeated stress and is less likely to retain external energy as residual stress. Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Academy of Dental Materials. All rights reserved.