Effect of particle variation on wear rates of posterior composites.

Abstract

The composites containing the smallest sized spherical particle exhibited maximum mechanical strength and maximum wear resistance. The composites containing the largest spherical particle exhibited minimum wear resistance. There were no significant differences amongst those containing similar sized fillers regardless of particle shape. However, differences between the 0.20 microns spherical filled composite and other composites were statistically significant. SEM analysis showed that only the larger sized filler exhibited some exfoliation after wear testing. The smaller size spherical filler exhibited better mechanical strength and substantially higher wear resistance.