Effects of polymerization on mechanical properties and wear of printed materials
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Citation
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different post-polymerization methods on the mechanical properties, surface hardness, degree of conversion (DC), and wear resistance of various 3D-printed (3DP) dental materials. The goal was to determine optimal polymerization protocols that enhance performance and longevity of 3DP restorations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Five commercially available 3DP resins, both filled and unfilled, including 1) Sprintray Ceramic Crown, 2) Rodin Sculpture 2.0, 3) Rodin Titan, 4) Rodin Denture base 2.0, and 5) Sprintray High impact Denture Base were tested following five post-polymerization methods: 1)Sprintray Nanocure, 2) Otoflash with nitrogen, 3) Otoflash without nitrogen, 4) Oven, and 5)Sprintray Procure 2. Standardized bar-shaped, discs and pins specimens were fabricated using Sprintray Pro S and Asiga printers. Flexural strength was measured using a three-point bending test on an Instron 5566A machine; Vickers hardness values were recorded using a Buehler Wilson VH1202 Microhardness tester; DC was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Wear resistance was assessed by measuring height and weight loss after one million wear cycles on a pin on plate linear wear tester under simulated loading conditions.
RESULTS: Post-polymerization method significantly influenced mechanical properties and wear performance. For filled resins, Otoflash with Nitrogen and Oven yielded the highest flexural strength and surface hardness. In unfilled resins, Otoflash with nitrogen and Nanocure methods showed comparatively better results. Degree of conversion was positively correlated with hardness and strength. Post-polymerization method significantly influenced mechanical properties and wear performance. For filled resins, Otoflash with nitrogen and Oven demonstrated the best wear resistance. In unfilled resins, the Oven and Otoflash with nitrogen methods exhibited the lowest wear loss, whereas Procure showed the highest wear.
CONCLUSION: Post-polymerization protocols play a critical role in defining the final properties of 3D-printed dental resins. Selection of polymerization conditions tailored to material type can significantly improve structural integrity and wear behavior, thereby enhancing the clinical reliability of 3DP dental restorations.
Description
2027