The Mechanical Properties of β-Si_3N_4 Whiskers-Reinforced Dental Resin Composites

摘要

The surface-modified β-Si_3N_4 whiskers were used as inorganic fillers to reinforce dental resin (Bis-GMA/TEGDMA) matrix with filler level ranging from 0 to 60 wt %. The experimental results indicated that the fracture strength of the composites increased from 79.85 to 139.8 MPa with increasing the whiskers loading. The compressive strength, elastic modulus, and rockwell hardness all increased monotonously with increasing filler level. Furthermore, thermal cycling did not decrease the fracture strength of the composites. Moreover, the composites showed good biocompatibility to support MG63 cells adhesion and proliferation.