Contemporary Dental Polymer Nanocomposites Light-Cured Under Polyester Strip: Evaluation of Surface Characteristics Using SEM and AFM

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was the evaluation of both the morphology/surface roughness and the texture/phase distribution of four contemporary dental light-cured nanocomposites using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The materials evaluated were a nanofill composite and three nanohybrids. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDS analysis was able to see and identify the large filler particles of the materials. Atomic force microscopy in the tapping mode provided topography of the nanocomposites while the tapping mode coupled with phase imaging information on the surface texture. The differences observed are attributed to differences in the shape, size distribution, amount, and surface coverage of filler particles.