ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of conversion (DC) and mechanical properties of a microhybrid Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE) resin composite after aging.MethodThe specimens were fabricated using circular molds to investigate Vickers microhardness (Vickers hardness number [VHN]) and DC, and were prepared according to ISO 4049 for flexural strength testing. The initial DC (%) of discs was recorded using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transforming infrared spectroscopy. The initial VHN of the specimens was measured using a microhardness tester under a load of 300 g for 15 seconds and the flexural strength test was carried out with a universal testing machine (crosshead speed, 0.5 mm/min). The specimens were then subjected to thermocycling in 5°C and 55°C water baths. Properties were assessed after 1,000–10,000 cycles of thermocycling. The surfaces were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey honest significant difference post hoc test.ResultsStatistical analysis showed that DC tended to increase up to 4,000 cycles, with no significant changes. VHN and flexural strength values significantly decreased upon thermal cycling when compared to baseline (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between initial and post-thermocycling VHN results at 1,000 cycles. SEM images after aging showed deteriorative changes in the resin composite surfaces.ConclusionsThe Z250 microhybrid resin composite showed reduced surface microhardness and flexural strength and increased DC after thermocycling.

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In this study, a light cross‐linkable biocomposite scaffold based on a photo‐cross‐linkable poly (propylene fumarate) (PPF)‐co‐polycaprolactone (PCL) tri‐block copolymer was synthesized and characterized. The developed biodegradable scaffold was further modified with β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) bioceramic for bone tissue engineering applications. The developed biocomposite was characterized using H nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, the bioceramic particle size distribution and morphology were evaluated using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties and biodegradation of the scaffolds were also evaluated. Cytotoxicity and mineralization assays were performed to analyze the biocompatibility and bioactivity capacity of the developed biocomposite. The characterization data confirmed the development of a biodegradable and photo‐cross‐linkable PCL‐based biocomposite reinforced with β‐TCP bioceramic. In vitro analyses demonstrated the biocompatibility and mineralization potential of the synthesized bioceramic. Altogether, the results of the present study suggest that the photo‐cross‐linkable PCL‐PPF‐PCL tri‐block copolymer reinforced with β‐TCP is a promising biocomposite for bone tissue engineering applications. According to the results, this newly synthesized material has a proper chemical composition for further clinically‐relevant studies in tissue engineering.

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