Microstructure and Surface Characteristics of Short Fiber Reinforced CAD/CAM Composite Blocks

Objective: The aim was to investigate certain surface properties and microstructure of an experimental short fiber-reinforced CAD/CAM composite block (SFRC) in comparison with different CAD/CAM, 3D-printing and manually-made commercial composites (Cerasmart 270, GC Temp PRINT, Pro3dure GR-17, Essentia U, Gradia Plus and everX Flow). Methods: A wear-test was performed using a chewing-simulator with 15000 cycles. Wear depth (n=6) was assessed by 3D optical-profilometer. Surface roughness (SR) before and after wearing-test was evaluated. A Vickers-indenter was utilized for evaluating surface microhardness (VH) and glossmeter was utilized to measure the surface gloss at 60°. The surface microstructure of each composite was investigated with SEM. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance ANOVA (p=0.05). Results: Significant differences in the surface properties were found according to the type of composite (p<0.05). Cerasmart 270 exhibited the highest VH (94.8 V) and lowest SR (0.18 Ra) values (p<0.05) among the composites tested. The lowest wear depth measurement was located for GC Temp PRINT (19.3 µm) which was not significantly different (p>0.05) from Cerasmart 270 (20.7 µm). Conclusion: Incorporation of fibers to the composite of the CAD/CAM block did not negatively influence the surface characteristics of composite.

Wear CAD/CAM 3D-Printing Fiber Composite Surface Gloss