Compositional and weave pattern analyses of glass fibers in dental polymer fiber composites.
OBJECTIVE
This study compared weave patterns and glass compositions of five glass fiber materials found in commercial fiber-reinforced dental composites.


METHODS
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to investigate the woven structure of five glass fiber products, and an energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDS) was used to determine the elemental composition of these glass fibers in the bulk and at the surface of the fiber. Five fibers of each product were analyzed.


RESULTS
The fiber products were either unidirectional rovings or bidirectional weaves. More precisely, the woven structures were linen weave, twill weave, or twill weave ribbon. SEM/EDS analysis revealed that the composition of the glass fibers was typical for E (electrical)-glass fibers with one exception. One product intended for use in fixed prosthodontics included unidirectional fibers with a composition consistent with a modified high-tensile-strength R-glass. Boron oxide found on the surface of glass fibers would likely contribute to an increased potential for corrosion of fiber-reinforced composite.


CONCLUSIONS
The predominant fiber composition in these products is E-glass. Because the degree of hydrolytic stability of polymer-fiber composites over time may lead to material failure in permanent restorations, this property should be investigated further.
Vallittu
P K
PK
NIOM-Scandinavian Institute of Dental Materials, Haslum, Norway.
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D001895:Boron / Q000737:chemistry; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D005898:Glass / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014783:Viscosity; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D003188:Composite Resins; D010087:Oxides; D011108:Polymers; C009753:fiberglass; D014867:Water; D001895:Boron