[Mechanical properties of microfilled composite resins (author's transl)]

The various mechanical properties of seven microfilled composite resins were evaluated, comparing with two conventional composite resins. The following results were obtained. 1) Though microfilled composite resins were more excellent than conventional ones on surface roughness after polishing or brushing, but they were inferior to conventional ones on the resistance to brushing abrasion. 2) Tensile, compressive and bending strength were dependent on inorganic filler content and properties of matrix resin. Particularly, their mechanical properties in the wet condition were strongly influenced by whether matrix resin was hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Compared with conventional composite resins, microfilled ones contained 30 to 40 wt% of filler had lower values of tensile and bending strength, and near values of compressive strength. While, microfilled ones contained 50 to 60 wt% of filler had higher values of compressive strength, and near values of tensile and bending strength, compared to conventional ones. 3) Modulus of elasticity and hardness were mainly dependent on inorganic filler content. Moduli of elasticity of microfilled composite resins were about 25 to 33% of them of conventional ones, and hardnesses of microfilled ones were approximately 50% of them of conventional ones except some materials. Hardnesses of microfilled composite resins with 50 to 60 wt% of filler were similar to them of conventional ones.