Viscoelastic stability of resin-composites aged in food-simulating solvents

Objective. To study time-dependent viscoelastic deformation (creep and recovery) of resin-composites, after conditioning in food-simulating solvents, under a compressive stress at 37°C. Methods. Five dimethacrylate-based composites: (Spectrum TPH, Premise Body, Tetric Ceram HB, Filtek P60, X-tra fil), and two Ormocers (Experimental Ormocer V 28407, Admira) were studied. Three groups of cylindrical specimens (4 mm × 6 mm) were prepared and then conditioned in 3 solvents: methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), ethanol, and water for 1 month at 37°C. The compressive creep-strain under 35 MPa in 37°C water was recorded continuously for 2 h and then the unloaded recovery-strain was monitored for another 2 h. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's test. Results. The materials all exhibited classic creep and recovery curves, with most parameters being significantly different (p <0.0001) for each solvent condition. All materials showed lower creep-strain in water than in ethanol or MEK solvents. Maximum creep-strain and permanent-set gave negative linear-regression (r2 > 0.98) with logarithm of the solvent solubility-parameter. The % mean (SD) creep-strain ranged from a minimum of 0.82 (0.01) for the Exp. Ormocer in water to the maximum of 4.19 (0.30) for Admira in MEK. Similar trends were found for permanent-set. The dimethacrylate-based composites behaved as an intermediate group, apart from X-tra fil that had similar stability to the Exp. Ormocer. Significance. The viscoelastic stability (low creep and permanent-set) of the Exp. Ormocer, compared to many dimethacrylate-based composites, in food-simulating solvents may be due to its diluent-free formulation. This was closely matched by a highly-filled dimethacrylate material (X-tra fil). © 2013 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.