Evaluation of composition and morphology of filler particles in low-shrinkage and conventional composite resins carried out by means of SEM and EDX

Marina Di Francescantonio, Rafael Rocha Pacheco, Thaiane Rodrigues Aguiar, Letícia Cristina Cidreira Boaro, Roberto Ruggiero Braga, Adriano Luis Martins e Marcelo Giannini

The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical elements and morphology of filler particles of conventional and low-shrinkage composite resins. The main components were identified by means of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) microanalysis; whereas the filler particles were analyzed morphologically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods: Four composite resins were studied: two conventional resins (Heliomolar and Tetric N-Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent) and two low-shrinkage composite resins (Aelite LS, Bisco; and Filtek Silorane, 3M ESPE). The material (five samples of each resin) was immersed in organic solvents to eliminate the organic phase and assessed by SEM and EDX. Results: Although EDX measurements showed a high content of silicon in all samples, there were differences in the elemental composition. The Aelite LS composite resin contained spherical and irregular particles, whereas the other composites contained only irregularly shaped filler particles. The Heliomolar composite resin had the highest particle size. Conclusion: All composite resins contained silicon, but the other components were also found. The resins differed in terms of filler particle size and morphology.

Keywords: Composite resin. Polymerization shrinkage. Filler particles. SEM. EDX.

How to cite: Di Francescantonio M, Pacheco RR, Aguiar TR, Boaro LCC, Braga RR, Martins AL, Giannini M. Evaluation of composition and morphology of filler particles in low-shrinkage and conventional composite resins carried out by means of SEM and EDX. J Clin Dent Res. 2016 jan-mar;13(1):49-58. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14436/2447-911x.13.1.049-058.oar

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