Mechanical and structural characterization of discontinuous fiber-reinforced dental resin composite

ObjectivesThis study evaluated several fiber- and matrix related factors and investigated different mechanical properties of discontinuous i.e. short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC) (everX Posterior, eXP). These were compared with three conventional composites, microfilled G-ænial Anterior (GA), nanofilled Supreme XTE (SXTE) and bulk-fill Filtek Bulk-Fill (FBF).MethodsFracture toughness (KIC), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), compressive strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), apparent horizontal shear strength (AHSS) and fracture work (Wf) were determined for each composite (n = 8) stored dry or in water. SEM analysis of the fiber diameter (df) (n = 6) and orientation (n = 6) were performed. The theoretical critical fiber length (lfc) and the aspect ratio (l/d) of SFRC were calculated and the volume fraction of discontinuous fibers (Vf%) and the fiber length (lf) of SFRC were evaluated. The results were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05).ResultsThe mechanical properties of SFRC (eXP) were generally superior (p < 0.05) compared with conventional composites. GA had the highest FM (p > 0.05), whereas FBF had the highest AHSS (p < 0.05). The fiber related properties Vf%, l/d, lf, lfc and df of eXP were 7.2%, 18–112, 0.3–1.9 mm, 0.85–1.09 mm and 17 μm respectively. SEM results suggested an explanation to several toughening mechanisms provided by the discontinuous fibers, which were shown to arrest crack propagation and enable a ductile fracture. Water exposure weakened the mechanical properties regardless of material type. Wf was unaffected by the water storage.ConclusionThe properties of this high aspect ratio SFRC were dependent on the fiber geometry (length and orientation) and matrix ductility.Clinical significanceThe simultaneous actions of the toughening mechanisms provided by the short fibers accounted for the enhanced toughness of this SFRC, which toughness value matched the toughness of dentin. Hence, it could yield an inherently uniform distribution of stresses to the hard biological tissues.