Effect of resin matrix ratio, storage medium, and time upon the physical properties of a radiopaque dental composite.

Three light curing composite pastes with varying resin matrix ratios [bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA)/urethane tetramethacrylate (UTMA) 25:75, BIS-GMA/UTMA 50:50, and BIS-GMA/UTMA 75:25 w/w%] were prepared in combination with a radiopaque glass powder and camphorquinone photoinitiator. Cured samples were aged at 37 degrees C in three food simulating media such as citrate buffer (pH 4.0), PBS buffer (pH 7.4), and 75% ethyl alcohol. Samples were withdrawn at specific intervals of 1, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days and tested for changes in mechanical properties, sorption, and solubility characteristics. Statistical calculations revealed significant changes in compressive strength (CS) for composites depending on the resin matrix ratio and type of medium used for aging. While diametral tensile strength (DTS) was affected adversely in citrate medium for composites with higher urethane content, samples stored in alcohol medium showed deterioration of transverse strength (TS) and microhardness (VMH) for all composites studied. Increase in BIS-GMA content in the resin matrix and storage in alcohol medium resulted in higher sorption and solubility values and lower microhardness.