Interrelation among the handling, mechanical, and wear properties of the newly developed flowable resin composites

Objectives: This study investigates the handling, mechanical, and wear properties of the newly developed flowable resin composites and elucidate the interrelations among the tested parameters. Methods: Six flowable and two conventional resin composites are used. Five measurements are performed per resin composite to obtain the average inorganic filler content. Ten specimens per material are used to obtain the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and resilience. For sliding impact wear testing, twelve specimens are prepared. Noncontact profilometer and confocal laser scanning microscopy are used to determine the maximum facet depth and volume loss. Extrusion force and thread formation are used to measure the handling properties of the flowable resin composites. Six measurements are performed per flowable resin composite. Data evaluation is performed using analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference test at an α-level of 0.05. The correlation between the tested parameters is verified using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Results: A subset of flowable resin composites exhibits higher flexural properties and wear resistance as compared to the conventional resin composites. The handling properties of the flowable resin composites are material dependent. Conclusion: While the resilience parameters exhibit an extremely strong and statistically significant correlation with the wear parameters, the handling properties exhibit no interrelation with the remaining parameters. Significance: While the handling properties of the newly developed flowable resin composites did not correlate with the mechanical and wear properties, some new flowable resin composites have the potential for use in high-stress bearing areas, such as posterior lesions, because of the enhanced mechanical properties and wear resistance.