Properties of a Bulk-fill Universal Composite With Three Resin Systems

Objectives: This study examines the influence of three different resin systems on the properties of experimental bulk-fill universal composites.
Methods: Acid resistant Barium glass (0.7µm), regular Barium glass (0.5µm), and a Ytterbium glass (40nm), all silanated, were compounded with three different photoactivated resin systems; Ethoxylated Bis-Phenol A Dimethacrylate(Bis-EMA)/Dimer Dicarbamate Dimethacrylate(DDCDMA)/Urethane Dimethacrylate(UDMA) (1), Septodont Urethane/UDMA/1,6 Hexanediol Dimethacrylate(HDDMA)/DDCDMA (2), and Septodont Urethane/HDDMA/Trimethylolpropane Trimethacrylate(TMPTMA) (3). Resin 1 is a Dimer based resin system while in resins 2 and 3, non-derivatives of BPA were used. Ratio of powder to resin for all batches was 70:30wt%. The same photoinitiator system was used in all three cases. The composite pastes were prepared using a high speed mixing machine (Flacktek). Degree of conversion was tested using an FT-IR, and depth of cure and flexural strength were carried out according to ISO 4049:2009. The data was statistically analyzed (ANOVA, Holm-Sidak’s, p<0.05).
Results: Data are summarized in the table below. The composite prepared using the Dimer resin system showed a significantly higher depth of cure and degree of conversion than BPA-free composites. Properties significantly decreased with resin system 3.


Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, variations in the resin system have a significant effect on the properties of the bulk-fill universal composite. Resin system composition is an important parameter to be considered during the design of bulk-fill universal composites in order to achieve optimal properties.