An investigation into the fracture behavior of a particulate-filled bis-GMA resin

Dental composites are being increasingly used to restore occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth. If these restorations are not to fracture in service, an understanding of their fracture behavior is essential. The fracture parameter used is the stress-intensity factor at crack instability (KIC). This has been calculated by means of the double-torsion test in a mechanical testing machine. The fracture behavior of the composite was studied by varying: the amount of filler (7%, 15%, 26%, and 41% by volume); the surface treatment of the filler (coated or uncoated); the environment (air and water); and the cross-head rate (0.05, 0.5, 5, and 50 mm/min). Fracture was found to occur in either a continuous (stable) or stick-slip (unstable) manner. The stick-slip behavior was due to blunting of the crack tip, which was controlled by the yield behavior. When there was no significant blunting, continuous crack growth occurred. An unique relationship was found to exist between the yield stress and the stress-intensity factor for all conditions of testing.