Effect of water storage on fluoride release and mechanical properties of a polyacid-modified composite resin (compomer)

We evaluated the effect of water storage on fluoride release and mechanical properties of compomer restorative material. Fluoride release was recorded using a specific fluoride electrode. Flexural properties and fracture tough-ness were measured using a universal testing machine. Vickers hardness was measured using a micro-hardness tester. There was initial burst of fluoride release up to 1 w, which was diminished to a low level in 1 mon and remained relatively constant over 6 mon. Flexural strength and hardness were increased up to 1 mon followed by a gradual decrease up to 6 mon. Flexural modulus was decreased gradually up to 6 mon. Fracture toughness was increased during the first week and gradually decreased over the storage period. We concluded that flexural prop-erties, fracture toughness, Vickers hardness and fluoride release of compomer were sensitive to water as well as storage time. There was a significant effect of fluoride release on the studied mechanical properties.