Mechanical properties of dental base materials

The compressive strengths and compressive moduli of seven base materials (Dycal, VLC Dycal, Time-line, Vitrabond, Ketac Bond, Fuji Lining LC, XR-Ionomer) were measured at 7 minutes, 24 hours, and 90 days using 9 mm by 4 mm cylindrical specimens prepared in hollow Teflon tubes. The 24-hour and 90-day specimens were maintained for 1 hour at 37 degrees C with relative humidity greater than 30%, then placed in distilled water at 37 degrees C until testing. After grinding the ends of the specimens flat, the cylinders of base material were loaded at 1.0 mm/min in an Instron. The compressive strengths of Timeline, a resin based material, at 7 minutes, 24 hours, and 90 days were not significantly different. Timeline had significantly greater compressive strengths of all time periods than the other six materials. The compressive strength of both Dycal and VLC Dycal decreased significantly between the 24-hour and 90-day periods. Of the three photosensitive GI base/liners tested, Fuji Lining LC had significantly higher compressive strengths in all three time periods. At 7 minutes, Timeline demonstrated a significantly higher compressive modulus than any other product. Ketac Bond had a significantly higher compressive modulus at 24 hours and 90 days.