Compressive and diametral tensile strength of titanium-reinforced composites

This article determines the compressive and diametral tensile strength of two titanium-reinforced composites (Bis-GMA-based), Ti-Core and Flexi-Flow cem with titanium and compares their strengths to dentin and commercially available core materials and cements. In addition scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs were taken of Ti-Core and Flexi-Flow cem with titanium. Compressive and tensile loading was performed on a modified universal testing apparatus. Ti-Core and Flexi-Flow cem with titanium were measured to have compressive strengths of 41,132 and 41,876 psi and tensile strengths of 5219 and 4930 psi, respectively. Statistically (ANOVA, one-way analysis of variance), these titanium-reinforced composites are stronger in compressive and tensile strength than Ketac-Silver, Fleck's zinc cement, Durelon, Ketac-Cem, and GC Miracle Mix. Both titanium-reinforced composite materials approach the compressive and diametral tensile strengths of dentin (43,100 and 6000 psi). SEMs revealed that the titanium was uniformly and homogeneously interspersed within the resin matrix of the material.