Influence of silicon dioxide or acrylated polisiloxane on resin-based materials physical properties

The use of restorative composites has been increased in dental practice, however, the color change associated to composite surface degradation is still important issue for composite restorations replacement. Therefore, the aim of these studies were to in vitro evaluate physical properties of different experimental surface sealants and its effects on composite resins surfaces. In the first chapter, it has been evaluated the effects of the silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2) coating on different composites. The experimental groups were divided according to the resin composite type (Filtek Z250XT, Filtek Z350XT and IPS Empress Direct) and application or not of SiO2 coating (n=8). Surface roughness (Ra), surface free energy (mJ/cm2), water contact angle (?o) and color change (?E) were evaluated after 24h deionized water storage and after 15, 90 and 180 days of red wine storage. Data were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA and Tukey test (? = 0.05). The red wine storage time negatively influenced all variables, irrespective of treatment or resin composite. The SiO2 coating application decreased the surface free energy, making the composite more hydrophobic. The increase in surface roughness was observed from 90 days for all composites, regardless of treatment. Significant less color change was observed in the Filtek Z250XT and the IPS Empress Direct compared to Filtek Z350XT. In the second chapter, the groups were: PER-commercial resin-based coating (PermaSeal); STD-standard manipulated resin (Bis-EMA+TEGDMA-based monomer matrix loaded with 10% of inorganic filler); SIL-standard resin modified by SiO2 nanoparticles adding; APS-standard resin modified by acrylated polysiloxane adding (n = 10). The degree of resin conversion (%) Water sorption and solubility (mg/mm3) and elasticity modulus (GPa) were evaluated in massive specimens prepared from the resin-based coatings. These resin-based coatings were applied on the composite resin discs surfaces (Filtek Z250XT) to water contact angle (?o) and color change (?E) tests. A control group without surface treatment was included in these trials. The ?E was calculated from measurements taken before and after 15 days of red wine storage. The results were analyzed using one - way ANOVA and Tukey test (? = 0.05). The addition of SiO2 promoted lower solubility, appropriate elasticity modulus and lower degree of color change, and; the incorporation of acrylated polysiloxane provided better degree of conversion, reduced water sorption, the highest hydrophobicity and cause less color change compared to that of controls. Therefore, the incorporation of hydrophobic additives did not negatively affect the physical properties of the resin-based coatings and were effective to make the composite more hydrophobic and less stain susceptible (AU)