Influence of the incorporation of TiO2 nanotubes in the depth of polymerization of bulk fill resin composites compared to a conventional fluid resin

Abstract

The incorporation of nanostructures such as TiO2 nanotubes to resin-based materials has shown promising results and may improve properties such as hardness and degree of conversion. This project aims to evaluate the influence of the incorporation of TiO2 nanotubes in the depth of polymerization of bulk-fill resin composites compared to a conventional fluid resin. Two bulk-fill resin composites (SDR Surefil, Dentsply, color U, and Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, 3M Espe, color A1) and a conventional fluid resin composite (Filtek Z350XT Flow, 3M Espe, color A1) will be evaluated. Before photopolymerization, 0.2wt% of TiO2 nanotubes will be incorporated into the resins. As a control, the nanotubes will not be incorporated. The depth of polymerization will be evaluated by microhardness, using a specially developed matrix. Data will be analyzed by three-way Anova and Tukey (± = 0.05).