Polymerization kinetics of experimental resin composites functionalized with conventional (45S5) and a customized low-sodium fluoride-containing bioactive glass

This study aimed to investigate polymerization kinetics and curing light transmittance of two series of experimental dental resin composites filled with 0–40 wt% of either 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) or a customized low-Na F-containing BG. Polymerization kinetics in 0.1-mm and 2-mm thick layers were investigated through real-time degree of conversion measurements using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. FTIR spectra were continuously collected at a rate of 2 s(−1) during light-curing (1340 mW/cm(2)). Light transmittance through 2-mm thick composite specimens was measured using a UV–Vis spectrometer at a rate of 20 s(−1). Unlike BG 45S5, which led to a dose-dependent reduction in the rate and extent of polymerization, the customized low-Na F-containing BG showed a negligible influence on polymerization. The reduction in light transmittance of experimental composites due to the addition of the low-Na F-containing BG did not translate into impaired polymerization kinetics. Additionally, the comparison of polymerization kinetics between 0.1-mm and 2-mm thick layers revealed that polymerization inhibition identified for BG 45S5 was not mediated by an impaired light transmittance, indicating a direct effect of BG 45S5 on polymerization reaction. A customized low-Na F-containing BG showed favourable behaviour for being used as a functional filler in light-curing dental resin composites.