Static and dynamic moduli of composite restorative materials

A series of polymeric composite restorative materials cured by primary and secondary methods was examined by static and dynamic testing. The static modulus of elasticity, dynamic modulus and glass-transition temperature were determined over a three-month period with the intention of characterizing monomer conversion. Heat and pressure curing of one material gave good conversion, but not all combinations of blue-light irradiation achieved full conversion. The use of a curing oven, whether as the primary or secondary mechanism did not result in a significant improvement in modulus. The use of a dynamic mechanical thermal analyser provided good data and this type of equipment is recommended for the characterization of polymeric materials.