Effects of Thermal Aging on Optical, Surface, Mechanical, and Biological Properties of CAD/CAM Polymer-Based Dental...

CAD/CAM polymer-based dental materials are increasingly used as metal-free alternatives for fixed and implant-supported restorations. High-performance polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), fiber-reinforced composites, and graphene-reinforced polymers have been introduced to improve material stability; however, evidence regarding the effects of thermal aging on their physicochemical and biological properties remains limited. In this study, PEEK, a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC), and a graphene-reinforced PMMA-based polymer (G-CAM) were evaluated. Twenty-seven disc-shaped specimens (10 × 2 mm; n = 9 per material) were fabricated and subjected to 10,000 thermal cycles between 5 and 55 °C. Color change (ΔE₀₀), surface roughness (Ra), and Vickers microhardness (VHN) were measured before and after aging. Chemical stability was assessed using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, surface morphology by SEM analysis, and biological safety by cytotoxicity testing. Material-dependent differences were observed in color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness after thermal aging (p < 0.05). Microhardness decreased in the fiber-reinforced and graphene-reinforced materials, whereas PEEK showed no significant change. Spectroscopic analyses indicated preserved chemical structure, and all materials demonstrated acceptable cytocompatibility. Thermal aging influenced material behavior while chemical stability and biological safety were maintained, highlighting the importance of considering aging behavior during material selection for prosthetic restorations.