Comparative Evaluation of Degree of Conversion of Three Bulk Fill Composite Resins by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated Transmittance Reflectance (FTIR-ATR)

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Namrata Khanna, BDS, MDS, Gowrish S, BDS, MDS, Vandana Sadananda BSc, MSc, BDS, MDS

Abstract

Introduction: Since the introduction of resin based composite restorative materials, various improvements have been made to improve their physico-mechanical properties. In an attempt to fasten and simplify the restoration process, a new class of resin based composite materials, called the bulk-fill resin based composites have been introduced, that claim to achieve a depth of cure of 4 mm without affecting the properties of the material. This study evaluated the degree of conversion (DC) of monomer to polymer using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated Transmittance Reflectance (FTIR-ATR).


Methodology: DC of monomer to polymer of the following were analysed using FTIR-ATR (IRPrestige-21, Shimadzu). Group 1: Bis-GMA based Nano-hybrid bulk-fill material (Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent, AG, Liechtenstein), Group 2: UDMA based posterior bulk-fill flowable resin material (Smart Dentin Replacement, SDRTM, Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany), Group 3: Nano-hybrid based bulk-fill posterior restorative material (FiltekTM Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative material, 3MTM ESPETM, St. Paul, USA). 10 samples were fabricated for each group. The results obtained were statistically analysed using One-way ANOVA and Scheffe Test.


Results: Group 2, exhibited highest DC (45.16%) followed by Group 3 at 37.86% and Group 1 l at 31.05%.


Conclusion: Highest values of DC may be attributed to the high molecular weight of the monomer and less viscosity. Presence and amalgamation of low viscosity but heavier monomers may be ideal for a bulk-fill resin composite restorative material to provide successful outcome clinically.

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