Polymerization shrinkage of experimental short glass fiber-reinforced composite with semi-inter penetrating polymer network matrix

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of short fiber-reinforced composite resin, with a semi-IPN-polymer matrix, on polymerization resin shrinkage-strain, shrinkage stress and marginal microleakage of the restoration. Materials and methods Experimental composite FC resin was prepared by mixing 22.5 wt.% of short E-glass fibers, 22.5 wt.% of IPN-resin and 55 wt.% of silane treated silica fillers using a high speed mixing machine. As control material, commercial particulate filler composite resin (PFC) was used. Polymerization shrinkage-strain and stress of the specimens (n = 5) were measured using the bonded-disc technique and tensilometer, respectively with respect to time. FC composite and PFC were placed incrementally in class II cavities sized 4 mm × 4 mm × 6 mm (n = 8/group) using total-etch adhesive system according to manufacturerʹs instructions. After the class II restorations were completed, the specimens were finished and polished, thermocycled, stained, sectioned, and viewed under a stereo-microscope for leakage at occlusal/enamel and gingival/dentin margins. The data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results ANOVA revealed that restorations made from experimental FC composite had a significantly lower shrinkage stress and microleakage than those made from PFC (p < 0.05). The data show that gingival margins had higher microleakage than that obtained from occlusal margins of restorations (p < 0.05). Conclusions The use of short fiber filler with semi-IPN polymer matrix reduced polymerization shrinkage stress and microleakage compared to a conventional restorative composite.