Physicochemical and mechanical characterization of a fiber-reinforced composite used as frameworks of implant-supported prostheses

Objectives: To characterize the physicochemical and mechanical properties of a milled fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) for implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Methods: For FRC characterization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometry, simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were performed. For fatigue testing, 3-unit FRC frameworks were fabricated with conventional (9 mm² connector area) and modified designs (12 mm² connector area and 2.5 mm-height lingual extension). A hybrid resin composite was veneered onto the frameworks. FDPs were subjected to step-stress accelerated-life fatigue testing until fracture or suspension. Use level probability Weibull curves at 300 N were plotted and the reliability for 100,000 cycles at 300, 600 and 800 N was calculated. Fractographic analysis was performed by stereomicroscope and SEM. Results: The FRC consisted of an epoxy resin (∼25%) matrix reinforced with inorganic particles and glass fibers (∼75%). Multi-layer continuous regular-geometry fibers were densely arranged in a parallel and bidirectional fashion in the resin matrix. Fatigue analysis demonstrated high probability of survival (99%) for FDPs at 300 N, irrespective of framework design. Conventional FDPs showed a progressive decrease in the reliability at 600 (84%) and 800 N (19%), whereas modified FDPs reliability significantly reduced only at 800 N (75%). The chief failure modes for FRC FDPs were cohesive fracture of the veneering composite on lower loads and adhesive fracture of the veneering composite at higher loads. Significance: Milled epoxy resin matrix reinforced with glass fibers composite resulted in high probability of survival in the implant-supported prosthesis scenario.