Semi-interpenetrating network composites reinforced with Kevlar fibers for dental post fabrication

This study evaluates the reinforcement of semi-interpenetrating network composites of 2,2-bis [4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropyl)-phenyl] propane (Bis-GMA)/ triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and 25% titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofiller with surface treated Kevlar fibers for potential application as dental posts. The post material was subjected to thermo-cycling and flexural strength determined, characterised by dynamic mechanical analysis, water sorption, radiopacity and cytotoxicity tests. The results were compared with everStick (R) POST. Kevlar pre-treatment with acetic acid and silane coupling agent demonstrated a clear effect on the flexural strength of the composites with a significant increase compared to composites with fibers without surface treatment. The inclusion of TiO2 into the final formulation provided the desired radiopacity and improved both aesthetics and flexural strength, which exhibits a higher resistance on thermocycling. The ratios of fatigue limit to static flexural strength were about 0.73 for Kevlar and 0.58 for everStick (R) POST; MTT assay confirmed the absence of any toxic eluents, indicating its feasibility as new intracanal post material.