Compression and Aging Properties of Experimental Dental Composites Containing Mesoporous Silica as Fillers

ABSTRACT Porous fillers can be used to obtain micromechanical interlocking between the filler particles and polymer matrix. Micromechanical interlocking in dental composites can overcome the traditional problem of hydrolysis associated with silane coupling. Such an interlocking could also enhance the overall performance of dental composites. In the current study, mesoporous silica was used as fillers to obtain experimental composites. Light curable dental resin (BisGMA/TEGDMA) was used as polymer matrix. The mechanical (compressive) and aging properties of these experimental composites were investigated. The results demonstrated that mesoporous fillers improved the mechanical and aging properties of experimental dental composites.