Properties of a New Nanofiber Restorative Composite

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Nanofiber-reinforced hybrid composites are emerging materials in dentistry.
• Assessing their mechanical properties and polymerization behavior is crucial for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the flexural strength, modulus, degree of conversion (DC), depth of cure, and polymerization shrinkage of a new nanofiber composite (NovaPro Fill) against two traditional hybrid composites (Filtek Z250, Esthet-X HD).

Main Methods:

• Flexural properties were tested using a universal testing machine.
• Degree of conversion was measured using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.
• Depth of cure and polymerization shrinkage were evaluated using specific light-curing and video-imaging techniques.
• Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests.

Main Results:

• NovaPro Fill exhibited significantly lower flexural strength and modulus compared to Filtek Z250, with greater volumetric shrinkage but similar depth of cure and higher top/bottom DC.
• Compared to Esthet-X HD, NovaPro Fill showed similar flexural strength, shrinkage, and DC, but significantly greater depth of cure and flexural modulus.

Conclusions:

• NovaPro Fill presents a distinct property profile compared to traditional composites, with enhanced depth of cure and degree of conversion but variable flexural performance.
• Its clinical suitability may depend on the specific application and desired material characteristics.