Inorganic and Prepolymerized Filler Analysis of Four Resin Composites

This study determined the filler content by weight percentage of four resin composites and examined the morphology, size, and elemental distribution of the filler particles. Four commercially available light-cured resin composites were evaluated for filler content by weight using ashing in air and acetone dissolution techniques. Ten specimens were analyzed for each material and technique. Specimens for ashing were heated to 650 degrees C for 30 minutes. For the acetone dilution, the uncured specimens were dissolved, centrifuged, and decanted. In addition, scanning electron microscopy evaluation and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis were performed to determine morphologic characteristics and elemental distribution, respectively. Filler percentages by weight for Aelite LS, Filtek LS, IPS Empress Direct, and Kalore from ashed in air were 86.44%, 77.86%, 72.17%, and 70.62%, and from acetone dissolution percentages were 85.05%, 75.56%, 78.88%, and 77.73%, respectively. Aelite LS had significantly higher filler content for both techniques. Kalore had significantly lower filler content for the ashing technique (70.62%), and Filtek LS had significantly lower filler content for the acetone dissolution technique (75.55%). Manufacturer reported filler content for Aelite LS (88%) and Filtek LS (76%) approximated the study results for both techniques, while Kalore (82%) and IPS Empress Direct (79%) were only similar for acetone dissolution, indicating higher content of prepolymerized particles. Morphologic examination showed spherical shaped particles for Aelite LS and splintered and irregular shaped particles for all other materials. Aelite LS had the highest filler content for both techniques. Values for filler content by weight using the acetone dissolution were closer to manufacturer reported values.