Dynamic mechanical properties of an inlay composite

A visible light-cured composite resin (Brilliant DI) has been studied over a wide range of temperature and frequency by a dynamic mechanical flexural method. The derived data of logarithmic modulus and loss tangent (tan delta) show considerable changes following a secondary-cure process applied to the material. This involved the application of heat and intense light with temperatures rising to 120 degrees C in 7 min. Following this oven-cure the resin phase exhibited enhanced stiffness with the activation-energy barrier for molecular motion at the glass-transition rising from 220 to 291 kJ/mol. This study clarifies the nature and extent of the internal molecular changes which may be produced in the fabrication of a composite inlay.