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PubMed1996

Influence of film thickness on joint bend strength of a ceramic/resin composite joint.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different film thicknesses of resin composite luting agents on the joint bend strength of a ceramic/resin interface. METHODS: Mirage FLC (Chamelon Dental Products) and Vita Cerec (Coltène AG) duo cement were used in combination with the ceramic materials, Mirage and Vita Cerec blocks. Cement layers with thicknesses of 20 microns, 50 microns, 100 microns and 200 microns were light-cured with a high-intensity curing light. Ten specimens of each ceramic/cement combination and thickness provided a total of 80 complete test specimens. Each specimen was placed in a four-point bending jig mounted in a universal tensile testing machine and underwent loading. A paired two-tailed Student's 1-test was used to evaluate differences between different series of film thicknesses and resin cement combinations. RESULTS: Within each ceramic/cement combination, the bond strength values were significantly lower for the 20 micron film then the thicker films. SIGNIFICANCE: Taking into account the physical and clinical properties of resin-based luting agents, available knowledge indicates that a marginal gap on the order of 50-100 microns seems to optimize performance.

Cementation↗
PubMed1996

Improved properties of amorphous calcium phosphate fillers in remineralizing resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: The rationale for this study was based on the hypothesis that the mechanical strength of methacrylate composites containing the bioactive filler, amorphous calcium phosphate, can be enhanced by synthesizing this filler in the presence of glass-forming agents. Specifically, this study was conducted to prepare composites with zirconia- and silica-modified amorphous calcium phosphate fillers, and to determine whether the remineralization potential from the release of calcium and phosphate ions and the mechanical properties of the corresponding methacrylate composites were enhanced. METHODS: The modified amorphous calcium phosphates were synthesized at pH 10.5 by mixing 800 mmol/L Ca(NO3)2 solutions and either 250 mmol/L zirconylchloride (ZrOCl2) or 4.4 mol/L tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) solutions with solutions containing 525 mmol/L Na2HPO4 and 11 mmol/L Na4P2O7. After washing and drying, the amorphous calcium phosphates were mixed with visible light-activated resins and photopolymerized to form composite disks that were then examined for their ability to release Ca2+ and total ionic phosphate (PO4(3-) + HPO4(2-) + H2PO4-, hereafter indicated as PO4) by immersion in HEPES-buffered (pH 7.4) saline at 37 degrees C. Solution ion concentrations were compared at regular intervals up to 265 h. Biaxial flexural strengths of the composites before and after immersion were compared, and significant differences were established by Student's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Both ZrOCl2- and TEOS-modified amorphous calcium phosphate composite disks released Ca2+ and PO4 ions at sustained levels requisite for remineralization to occur. The transformation of amorphous calcium phosphate into hydroxyapatite within the composites was also retarded, particularly in the case of amorphous calcium phosphate modified with ZrOCl2. Biaxial flexure strength values of composite disks showed that TEOS- and ZrOCl2-amorphous calcium phosphate-filled composites increased in strength by 33% and 21% before immersion and by 25% and 27% after immersion, respectively, compared to unmodified amorphous calcium phosphate composites (controls). All strength increases except TEOS after immersion were significant (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Properly modified amorphous calcium phosphate fillers can be used to prepare bioactive composites with enhanced mechanical properties for more demanding dental applications without compromising their remineralizing potential.

Calcium↗
PubMed1996

Effect of light exposure on fracture toughness and flexural strength of light-cured composites.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the curing characteristics of light-cured composites and their related mechanical properties. METHODS: Single-edge notch specimens [25 mm x 2.5 mm x 5 mm with a 5 mm notch (a/W = 0.5)] were prepared for fracture toughness measurements. For flexural strength testing, a stainless steel mold (25 mm x 2 mm x 2 mm) was used. Light-cured composites were condensed into the mold, and the middle third of the specimen was first activated for 30 s with 400 mW/cm2, for 60 s with 200 mW/cm2, or for 120 s with 100 mW/cm2. Then the remaining thirds were activated at the same intensity and curing time as the middle third. After 24 h storage in 37 degrees C water, three-point bending tests were performed with a span length of 20 mm at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. A one-way ANOVA, followed by a Newman-Keuls test (p < 0.05), were used to compare the data obtained from each group to test the effect of the curing conditions. RESULTS: Fracture toughness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus varied with resin composites. Among the three curing conditions for each material, there were no significant differences in fracture toughness, flexural strength, or flexural modulus. SIGNIFICANCE: The fracture toughness and the flexural strength were the same when irradiations with the same amount of energy (light intensity multiplied by curing time) were used. It was found that, at lower light intensity, longer curing was required to provide comparable mechanical properties. An accumulated irradiation energy obtained through a product of the light intensity and curing time may serve as a guideline to produce samples exhibiting equivalent fracture toughness as well as flexural strengths.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

Polymeric calcium phosphate cements derived from poly(methyl vinyl ether-maleic acid).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of forming polymeric calcium phosphate cements from a mixed powder of dicalcium phosphate/tetracalcium phosphate or only tetracalcium phosphate and poly(methyl vinyl ether-maleic acid) (PMVE-Ma), and to study their setting reaction. METHODS: The setting reaction process of the polymeric cements was evaluated by mechanical strength tests, infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis and compared with that of a water-setting calcium phosphate cement. The mechanical strength data were analyzed using ANOVA and Scheffé's multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: Cements prepared from the mixed powder and 25-30 wt% aqueous solutions of PMVE-Ma had high mechanical strength after 24 h storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C. The hardening mechanism depended on an acid-base reaction between the carboxyl groups of PMVE-Ma and the mixed powder, especially its tetracalcium phosphate component. The formation of hydroxyapatite in the polymeric calcium phosphate cement was not detected and is apparently inhibited as a result of the competing reaction of PMVE-Ma with the mixed powder. SIGNIFICANCE: The cement-forming reaction was significantly faster than that of a water-setting calcium phosphate cement and slower than that observed with the mixed powder and polyacids such as poly(acrylic acid). The characteristics of the polymeric cements suggest that the materials may be useful in cavity lining or endodontic sealing.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

Mechanical properties of glass ionomers under static and dynamic loading.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the mechanical properties under static and cyclic loading conditions of various types of glass ionomers used for bases and core build-ups under restorations. METHODS: Compressive strength and three-point flexural strength of two different glass ionomers and two metal-reinforced glass ionomers were determined 1 d after the start of mixing. The flexural fatigue resistance of these materials was measured in the load range of 650 g to 1050 g using a three-point bending machine, and fractured surfaces of the specimens were examined using SEM. RESULTS: All the glass ionomers exhibited similar compressive and flexural strengths. The results analyzed by Cox' proportional hazard model demonstrated that the admixed-type metal-reinforced glass ionomer had the highest fatigue resistance, while the water-hardening glass ionomer had the lowest fatigue resistance among the materials examined (p<0.5). SIGNIFICANCE: There was no significant improvement in the static mechanical properties from incorporating metal particles into the glass ionomers. However, the addition of metal particles as in the admixed-type metal-reinforced glass ionomer produced a material with increased fatigue resistance.

Cermet Cements↗
PubMed1996

Preparation of glass ionomer cement using N-acryloyl-substituted amino acid monomers--evaluation of physical properties.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were (1) to develop polyacid formulations through the incorporation of amino acid-derived monomers with carboxylic acid groups at various distances away from the polymer backbone to allow for greater flexibility, less rigid ionic cluster formation and improved solubility, and (2) to test selected physical and handling properties of experimental ionomers with a conventional glass ionomer as a control. METHODS: The polycarboxylic acids prepared and used in glass ionomer formulation in this study included N-acryloylglutamic acid (AGA) and N-acryloyl-6-aminocaproic acid (AACA)- modified acrylic acid- ++itaconic acid copolymers, where the acrylic acid:itaconic acid:amino acid monomers were combined in different proportions. The characterization and purity of the monomers were determined by FTIR and their melting points. The characterization of synthesized polymers included molecular weight and relative viscosity determinations. The compressive strengths, diametral tensile strengths, flexural strengths and fracture toughness of the experimental ionomers and a commercially available ionomer (control) were measured after storage in water, at 37 degrees C for 1 h or 7 d. The working times and setting times of the experimental ionomers were compared to the control specimens. Separate analysis of variance and Tukey's tests were used to study the statistical significance of the physical strength parameters as a function of materials and storage times. RESULTS: Significant increases (p< 0.001) in diametral tensile, compressive, flexural strengths and fracture toughness were observed in the AGA co-polymers, while significant increases were observed in diametral and flexural strengths in the AACA co-polymers compared to the control Fuji II. The working and setting times of all except one experimental ionomer studied were comparable to the controls. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of amino acid-modified acrylic monomers to produce water soluble copolymers of acrylic-itaconic acid offers a new route of discovery to produce chemical-cured glass ionomers with improved physical properties. The spacer chain length, the hydrophobicity of the chains, the molecular weight and viscosity of the polymer all played important roles in determining the physical properties of the material.

Acrylates↗
PubMed1996

The influence of simulated clinical handling on the flexural and compressive strength of posterior composite restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of clinical handling on the flexural and compressive strengths of two commercially available posterior composites. METHODS: Since the manufacturing of test specimens in a truly clinical situation presents many problems, an in vitro model was developed, consisting of a phantom-head set-up in a clinical operatory. Two composite materials, recommended for use in posterior teeth, were used: P50 APC (3M Dental Products) and Herculite XRV (Kerr, Dental Manufacturing). Beam specimens for 3-point bending tests of both materials and cylindrical specimens for compression test of P50 were made both under ideal laboratory circumstances and under simulated clinical circumstances. RESULTS: The difference in mean flexural strength between laboratory prepared and the quasi-clinically prepared specimens was highly significant for both the specimens handled in a clinical manner was 15% of the flexural strength of the P50 specimens made under laboratory conditions, and the difference for Herculite XRV was 29%. No difference in compressive strength could be shown between the laboratory-fabricated and the quasi-clinically made specimens of P50. SIGNIFICANCE: The relative flexural strength of composite materials in a clinical situation may differ significantly from that predicted from mechanical properties measured in vitro.

Bicuspid↗
PubMed1997

Fracture studies of selected dental restorative composites.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the flexure strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness (mode I, mode II, and mixed mode) of resin and four specially made dental restorative composite materials. METHODS: Testing was done on prismatic bars in flexure and disk specimens in diametral compression. Fracture strengths were analyzed using Weibull statistics. Statistical analysis consisted of a one-way analysis of variance followed by a Tukey multiple means analysis for each of the materials. In addition, the fracture strengths were analyzed using Weibull statistics due to the brittle behavior exhibited by these materials. RESULTS: The experimental results showed that the addition of fillers resulted in a significant three-fold increase in flexure modulus and a significant 30-50% increase in fracture toughness from the resin. As was indicated by the different Weibull modulus values, strength data obtained from four-point bending were not related with strength data from three-point bending. A straight notch vs. a relatively sharp V-notch gave higher fracture toughness values. Fracture toughness was dependent on the depth of a straight notch and was practically independent of the V-notch depth. Mode I and II fracture toughness in two composites (75Sr and 75Sr10) were carried out on precracked disk specimens in diametral compression. The results of mode I toughness were close to those obtained from the flexure testing. The mode II toughness values were greater than the mode I values by more than 30%. The data fit an equation of the form KI/KIC + (KII/KIIC)2 = 1(where KI, KII are the mode I and II stress intensity factors and KIC, KIIC are the respective critical values). SIGNIFICANCE: Notching technique, testing configuration (three-point vs. four-point loading), and method of testing (bar vs. disk) have significant effect on the fracture properties.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1997

Effect of photoinitiator level on properties of a light-cured and post-cure heated model resin system.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of increased levels of photoinitiator components on biaxial flexural strength, monomer conversion, and dynamic thermal properties of an unfilled model resin system in both the light-cured only state as well as after post-cure heating. METHODS: Unfilled polymer discs were made using 50/50 mole% Bis-GMA and TEGDMA and were rendered photo-curable using a common (normal) concentration of photoinitiators (camphorquinone 0.3 wt% and DMAEMA 0.75 wt%) as well as twice and four-fold this amount. Specimens were light-cured and left unheated or were post-cure heated in a commercial unit. Biaxial flexural strength was obtained at a constant stressing rate (100 MPa/s), monomer conversion was determined using FTIR, and dynamic mechanical thermal properties (E', E", and Tg) were measured with DMA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Turkey-Kramer post-hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Increased levels of photoinitiator above normal significantly increased monomer conversion and Tg values for unheated as well as for post-cure heated specimens. Biaxial flexural strength for light-cured only groups remained unaffected by change in initiator concentration, but was significantly increased by post-cure heating. Increase in initiator concentration did not affect E' values for post-cured specimens, but significantly increased values for the unheated, light-cured only groups. E" values for post-cure heated specimens were significantly lowered by increasing initiator concentration. SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical implications of these results indicate that increasing photoinitiator levels results in post-cure heated restorations with significantly higher Tg and monomer conversion values. Use of elevated initiator concentrations for post-cured resins could result in restorations with enhanced resistance to deformation at elevated oral temperatures as well as significantly lower amounts of leachable components.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1998

Cyclic contact fatigue of a silver alternative to amalgam.

OBJECTIVE: To purpose of this study was to compare the cyclic contact fatigue resistance of a novel mercury-free silver direct filling material to that of a dental amalgam (Dispersalloy). METHODS: The silver specimens were made by pressing a precipitated powder at room temperature with a pressure of 150 MPa, which can be achieved in clinical hand-consolidation. To simulate clinical contact of restorations against enamel cusps, a cyclic contact fatigue methodology was employed. A spherical indenter was used to repeatedly indent the specimen, while the accumulation of deformation and damage was examined as a function of the number of cycles up to 5 x 10(5). Student's t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's multiple range test were used to compare the specimen groups for significant differences in flexural strength, indentation impression diameter, and hardness. A type I error of alpha = 0.05 was considered as significant. Subsurface damage was examined by using a bonded-interface technique. RESULTS: As a result of cyclic indentation, microcracks were produced in the amalgam, but no cracks were found in the silver filling material. At fewer numbers of cycles, indentation produced larger impressions in silver (e.g., diameter = [450 +/- 31] microns at 10(2) cycles) than in amalgam ([145 +/- 20] microns) due to a lower hardness of the former. However, with increasing number of cycles, damage accumulated more rapidly in the amalgam, while the silver beneficially work-hardened in repeated indentations. At 5 x 10(5) cycles, the difference in impression diameter between silver and amalgam ([582 +/- 20] microns vs. [568 +/- 42] microns) become insignificant (p > 0.1, Student's t test). SIGNIFICANCE: The mercury-free silver direct filling material is more resistant to microcracking and to cyclic contact fatigue than amalgam, and the indentation impression sizes in the consolidated silver and dental amalgam are not statistically different at large numbers of cycles.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1998

Design of prosthetic cantilever bridgework supported by osseointegrated implants using the finite element method.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present work was to establish a design procedure for fixed metal prostheses supported by osseointegrated implants in order to prevent permanent deformation and hence failure following loading. Previously, the cantilever cross-sectional shape in the buccal lingual plane has been based on clinical experience and subjectivity. METHODS: This work has relied on the use of linear elastic finite element analysis in order to generate a maximum effective stress at which permanent deformation commences on loading. A number of different cross-sectional shapes were investigated, both of conventional design as well as new innovative possibilities. Both straight and curved cantilever beams 26 mm long were examined. RESULTS: The design failure chosen was based on a von Mises plastic collapse principle by comparing the calculated effective stresses with the yield stress of the metal in simple tension. It was found that the "L" shaped design was more rigid than other designs for a given mass, while a framework based on an open "I" section offers good possibilities particularly when used as curved shapes. SIGNIFICANCE: Assuming a failure criterion based on the von Mises principle, then "L" shaped Co/Cr or stainless steel frameworks, typically 26 mm of cantilever span, undergo permanent deformation at end loadings between 130 and 140 N depending on section curvature. Since it is known biting loads can exceed these values, good design is critical if such failures are to be avoided.

Dental Alloys↗
PubMed1998

Influence of UEDMA BisGMA and TEGDMA on selected mechanical properties of experimental resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the effect of UEDMA, BisGMA and TEGDMA on selected mechanical properties of experimental resin composites. METHODS: Thirty monomer mixtures of TEGDMA and BisGMA and/or UEDMA were produced. Five base monomer mixtures had the following molar relationships between TEGDMA and BisGMA: 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30. Monomer mixtures were then produced in which BisGMA was successively substituted by UEDMA, 10 mol% at a time. The resins were made light-curing and loaded with filler. Diametral tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were determined on 1 week old specimens. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and by response surface methodology. RESULTS: The diametral tensile strength of the resin composites varied between 52 and 59 MPa, the flexural strength between 137 and 167 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity between 8.0 and 11.1 GPa. The statistical analyses showed that substitution of BisGMA or TEGDMA by UEDMA resulted in an increase in tensile and flexural strength, and that substitution of BisGMA by TEGDMA increased tensile, but reduced flexural strength. Further, it was found that, for a given content of UEDMA, variations in the ratio BisGMA/TEGDMA gave rise to a maximum in modulus of elasticity. The size of this maximum in modulus decreased with increasing content of UEDMA. SIGNIFICANCE: Varying the relative amounts of UEDMA, BisGMA and TEGDMA has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the resin composition. Thus, by selecting specific combinations of these components, it may be possible to design composites with properties that are tailor made to specific applications.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1998

Fluoride release and re-uptake in direct tooth colored restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: Glass ionomers may be "recharged" through topical fluoride (F-) treatments; however, this reported "recharging," may be attributed to surface changes after F- treatment. This study examined differences in F- release and re-uptake among dual-cured and chemically-cured glass ionomers, and a photo-cured F- releasing composite. A secondary goal was to determine if tensile strength or surface roughness changed due to F- release, or F- re-uptake and re-release. METHODS: In Phase 1, initial surface roughness and diametral tensile strength were measured. F- release was measured for 30 days. Strength and roughness were then remeasured. In Phase 2, surface roughness was measured, then materials were treated with a 5000 ppm neutral F- gel, the same gel without F-, or phosphoric acid. F- release was measured for 30 days, then final surface roughness and strength were determined. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in amount and rate of F- release, and F- re-uptake and re-release among study materials and enamel controls (p < 0.001). The amount and rate of F- re-release after NaF treatment differed significantly from F- release after acid treatment in glass ionomers, although both groups showed increased F- release after surface treatment (p < 0.001). There were no significant changes in tensile strength or surface roughness after F- release or F- re-uptake and re-release as determined by ANOVA. SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this in vitro study indicate that applications of neutral 5000 ppm F- gel to aged glass ionomer restorations results in a significant fluoride uptake and subsequent release. The data suggest that the application of neutral fluoride gel to glass ionomer restorations in situ may result in increases in oral fluoride concentrations, without affecting the restoration's surface roughness or tensile strength.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1998

Mechanical properties of bioactive amorphous calcium phosphate/methacrylate composites.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)-containing composites, which have the ability to release mineralizing levels of Ca and PO4 ions, have appropriate mechanical properties for use as base and lining materials. METHODS: Composites of pyrophosphate-stabilized ACP particulates (mass fraction of 40%) and photo-activated methacrylate resins (mass fraction of 60%) were tested for biaxial flexure strength (BFS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), and compressive strength (CS). Hydroxyapatite (HAP; mass fraction of 40%), and micro-sized glass (mass fraction of 50%) composites as well as a commercial visible light curable base/liner were also tested. The significance between mean values was determined by Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). RESULTS: BFS of dry and wet (24 h at 37 degrees C in water) ACP composites (60.3 and 62.0 MPa, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the comparison materials (79.2-109.3 MPa). CS values were likewise lower (62.9 MPa dry and 67.6 MPa wet vs 80.6-196.8 MPa) except for the wet base/liner (58.5 MPa). DTS of the dry ACP composite (21.8 MPa) was comparable with that of the HAP (22.8 MPa) and glass (25.5 MPa) composites, but lower than that of the base/liner (36.2 MPa). DTS decreased significantly when the ACP composite was wet (17.8 MPa). SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that the remineralizing ACP polymeric composites, although mechanically weaker in some respects than other polymeric composites, have properties suitable for use as base and lining materials.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1998

Thermal stresses in metal-ceramic specimens for the ISO crack initiation test (three-point flexure bond test).

OBJECTIVES: At the October 1996 meeting of the ISO/TC106/SC 2/WG 1 working group, a special three-point flexure test for the characterization of the metal-ceramic bond was incorporated in the standard (ISO CD 9693). Due to the fabrication process, like real porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations, the specimens contain thermal (eigen-) stresses upon which the load stresses are superimposed in the actual test. This study is devoted to the determination of these residual thermal stresses. METHODS: The residual thermal stresses in the specimen were calculated with the aid of the finite element method (FEM) using an especially fine mesh in the vicinity of the edge of initial debonding. Young's modulus, EM, of the alloy was varied within the interval 80 GPa < or = EM < or = 220 GPa which covers the spectrum of dental alloys. The analysis also allows the calculation of thermal stresses as a function of the difference delta alpha = alpha M - alpha C of the coefficients of thermal expansion of alloy and ceramic and the glass transition temperature theta G of porcelain. RESULTS: The thermal shear and normal stresses at the bond interface concentrate at the end of the ceramic veneer and practically vanish over about three quarters of the central part of the layer. The larger the Young's modulus, EM, of the alloy, the higher both stresses. SIGNIFICANCE: The results permit a deeper comprehension of the debonding process in the test: shear stress induced by loading increases the overall shear stress at the end of the bond interface, whereas load tensile stress is buffered by thermal compressive stress.

Dental Bonding↗
PubMed1998

Failure and fracture characteristics of glass poly(vinylphosphonate) cements.

OBJECTIVES: A glass poly(vinylphosphonate) cement, Diamond Carve, consisting of an ion leachable glass and a co-polymer of poly(vinylphosphonic-co-acrylic acid) was characterised. Samples were mixed for mechanical analysis using a linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) approach. METHODS: Fracture toughness, flexural strength, Young's modulus, toughness and compressive strength were measured. Cement samples were tested at ageing times of 1, 7, 28, 84 and 168 days. RESULTS: Fracture toughness values in the range 0.6-0.82 MPa square root m were obtained. Young's modulus increased with ageing time from 8.6 GPa at one day to 14.3 GPa at 168 days. An increase in compressive strength from 149 to 242 MPa was also observed over the same time period. SIGNIFICANCE: The influence of ageing time had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the cement. The expected rise in the mechanical properties was observed as a result of the ongoing crosslinking in the polysalt matrix.

Compressive Strength↗
PubMed1999

Mechanical properties of direct core build-up materials.

OBJECTIVE: This work was undertaken to measure mechanical properties of a diverse group of materials used for direct core build-ups, including a high copper amalgam, a silver cermet cement, a VLC resin composite and two composites specifically developed for this application. METHODS: Compressive strength, elastic modulus, diametral tensile strength and flexural strength and modulus were measured for each material as a function of time up to 3 months, using standard specification tests designed for the materials. RESULTS: All the materials were found to meet the minimum specification requirements except in terms of flexural strength for the amalgam after 1 h and the silver cermet at all time intervals. SIGNIFICANCE: There proved to be no obvious superior material in all respects for core build-ups, and the need exists for a specification to be established specifically for this application.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

Fracture toughness (KIc) of a dental porcelain determined by fractographic analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Fractographic analysis of indentation cracks is performed following flexure testing as part of the ASTM (1999) standard for fracture toughness, KIc, determination in advanced ceramics. This method depends on the conduciveness of the material towards fractographic interpretation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of fractography in fracture toughness methods with a feldspathic dental porcelain, in which KIc was measured fractographically as well as numerically using two controlled-flaw beam bending techniques. METHODS: The following methods for KIc determination were applied to a dental porcelain containing a leucite volume fraction of 15-20%: (1) surface crack in flexure (SCF) (dependent upon fractographic analysis); and (2) indentation strength (IS) at indentation loads of 9.8 and 19.6 N (applying both standard numeric calculations and fractographic analysis). The testing environments were (1) ambient air (IS and SCF) and (2) flowing dry nitrogen (SCF). RESULTS: No significant differences were found between numeric and fractographic KIc values for the IS technique at both indentation loads (9.8 and 19.6 N) in ambient air, although KIc values were sensitive to indentation load. Due to the presence of residual stresses, stable crack extension was observed fractographically in all IS specimens, as evidenced by differences between initial (ainitial) and critical (acritical) crack dimensions. For the SCF method, there was a significant difference in toughness between specimens tested in air versus dry nitrogen, however no fractographic evidence for chemically assisted slow crack growth (SCG) was observed. SIGNIFICANCE: The SCF method as described by the ASTM standard was applicable to the feldspathic porcelain and produced very comparable results with the numeric toughness calculations of the IS procedure. However, fractographic analysis of the surface crack was somewhat difficult for this glassy ceramic compared with polycrystalline ceramics. Knowledge about stable crack extension or slow crack growth and its fractographic appearance is essential when estimating the toughness from examination of flaw dimensions on fractured surfaces since large calculation errors may occur if these effects are not taken into account.

Aluminum Silicates↗