Properties of microfilled composite resins as influenced by filler content

Two series of composite resins were prepared with a light-cured urethane dimethacrylate matrix to which varying amounts of two types of silanated silica particles were added. One series contained volume fractions ranging from 15.8 to 28.8% silica particles of 20 nm in diameter (Type I filler) and the other series volume fractions of from 24 to 49.4% of an agglomerated silica particle of 40 nm in diameter (Type II filler). Tests were conducted to determine the effect of filler level on: depth of cure as determined by hardness measurements; color stability in both UV light and water; water sorption with time; hardness; compressive strength; strain behavior in slow compression; and resistance to toothbrush abrasion and wear by hydroxyapatite. Analysis of the data obtained for these two microfilled series indicate that increased filler levels result in trends for increased depth of cure, color stability, hardness, compressive strength, and stiffness, while water sorption and resistance to both toothbrush abrasion and wear by hydroxyapatite were reduced. These trends were more pronounced for the Type II filler series than for the Type I filler series. However, there was a greater differential in filler levels within the Type II series than within the Type I series.