Effect of filler size and temperature on packing stress and viscosity of resin-composites

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of filler size on the packing stress and viscosity of uncured resin-composite at 23 °C and 37 °C. A precision instrument used was designed upon the penetrometer principle. Eight resin-composite materials were tested. Packing-stress ranged from 2.60 to 0.43 MPa and viscosity ranged from 2.88 to 0.02 MPa.s at 23 °C. Values for both properties were reduced significantly at 37 °C. Statistical analysis, by ANOVA and post hoc methods, were carried out to check any significant differences between materials tested (P <0.05). Conclusions: Filler size and distribution will affect the viscosity and packing of resin-composites during cavity placement. © 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.