Effect of filler size and filler loading on wear of experimental flowable resin composites

The relationship between wear resistance and filler size or filler loading was clarified for the universal resin composite; however, their relationship in flowable resin composites has not been clarified. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of filler size and filler loading on wear of experimental flowable resin composites by using a cyclic loading device. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine experimental flowable resin composites consisting of three different sizes (70, 200 and 400 nm) and loading (50, 55 and 60 wt%) of filler were prepared. Bowl-shaped cavities were prepared on a flat surface of ceramic blocks using a No. 149 regular cut diamond point. The cavities were treated with a silane coupling agent and an all-in-one adhesive and then filled with each experimental flowable resin composite. The restored surfaces were finished and polished with a 1500-grit silicon carbide paper. The specimens were subjected to an in vitro two-body wear test using a cyclic loading device. The localized worn surfaces were evaluated at 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, and 40,000 cycles using a computer-controlled three-dimensional measuring microscope (n=5). The volumetric wear loss of the materials was calculated automatically by the equipment. Data were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA showed that the filler size significantly influenced wear volume (p<0.003), but the filler loading did not have a significant effect (p>0.05). A post hoc Tukey test detected significant differences in filler size between 70 nm and 400 nm, and 200 nm and 400 nm (p<0.007). CONCLUSION: The experimental flowable resin composite containing a mean filler size of 400 nm exhibited significantly lower wear resistance in two-body wear compared with those containing mean filler sizes of 200 nm or 70 nm.