Computer-controlled differential scanning calorimetry of dental composites.

In this paper, computer-controlled differential scanning calorimetry has been used to evaluate the heat liberated and the temperature rise associated with the light cure of selected dental composites. In addition, the effect of postcure heating and increased ambient temperature of light cure are examined in terms of potential secondary cure. The results indicate significant differences between the mean heats of cure of different composites, primarily reflecting the filler fraction variations of the composites. In addition, increased cure activity appears to result from both postcure heating as well as thermal activation due to higher ambient temperature of light cure. The results are analyzed and attributed to variations in resin phase composition and resin content per unit weight of composite as well as thermally induced enhancement of cure.