Physicochemical and mechanical characterization of a fiber-reinforced composite used as frameworks of implant-supported prostheses

Abstract Objectives To characterize the physicochemical and mechanical properties of a milled fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) for implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Methods For FRC characterization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometry, simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were performed. For fatigue testing, 3-unit FRC frameworks were fabricated with conventional (9 mm2 connector area) and modified designs (12 mm2 connector area and 2.5 mm-height lingual extension). A hybrid resin composite was veneered onto the frameworks. FDPs were subjected to step-stress accelerated-life fatigue testing until fracture or suspension. Use level probability Weibull curves at 300 N were plotted and the reliability for 100,000 cycles at 300, 600 and 800 N was calculated. Fractographic analysis was performed by stereomicroscope and SEM. Results The FRC consisted of an epoxy resin (∼25%) matrix reinforced with inorganic particles and glass fibers (∼75%). Multi-layer continuous regular-geometry fibers were densely arranged in a parallel and bidirectional fashion in the resin matrix. Fatigue analysis demonstrated high probability of survival (99%) for FDPs at 300 N, irrespective of framework design. Conventional FDPs showed a progressive decrease in the reliability at 600 (84%) and 800 N (19%), whereas modified FDPs reliability significantly reduced only at 800 N (75%). The chief failure modes for FRC FDPs were cohesive fracture of the veneering composite on lower loads and adhesive fracture of the veneering composite at higher loads. Significance Milled epoxy resin matrix reinforced with glass fibers composite resulted in high probability of survival in the implant-supported prosthesis scenario.