The effects of different liquid medias on dental composite fatigue and mechanical properties

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various pH solutions on the surface mechanical properties and fracture toughness of resin composites with different micro-structure. Thirty specimens including 3M Filtek Z350 XT (nanofiller), Superlux (microhybrid), and TPH3 (nanohybrid) composites were selected and prepared for tests. Sorption, solubility, flexural strength, and flexural elastic modulus were measured according to an international standard after immersing the specimens into fruit juice, soda water, and milk solutions. Fracture toughness was evaluated after cyclic loading and analyzed under SEM. Filtek Z350 XT, TPH3, Superlux showed significantly different sorption and solubility values. In all materials, the flexural strength and flexural elastic modulus values were influenced to a greater extent by the fruit juice than the soda water. However, neither flexural strength nor flexural elastic modulus was significantly influenced by milk.