Nanoindentation Study on Mechanical Properties of Nano-SiO2/Dental Resin Composites

The micro/nano-scale indentation tests were performed to explore the performance of bisphenol-α-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA)/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) dental resin composites. The effect of the filling content of nano-SiO2 particles on the mechanical properties of the dental composites was studied as well. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of the nano-SiO2 particles at low concentrations (up to 10 wt.%) can apparently increase the hardness and elastic modulus of the dental rein composites. The plasticity index indicates a best elastic recovery capability at a proper amount (4 wt.%) of the nanoparticles. Combined with the infrared spectrum, the mechanical enhancement mechanisms of the dental resin composites were analyzed.