Effect of beam size on composite polymerization

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of the Argon laser and conventional curing light to polymerize light- activated materials. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of beam size on the diametral tensile strengths of a composite resin. The Argon laser (HGM Model 8) at 280 mw and 450 mw and beam size of approximately 5 mm , 8 mm, and 13 mm, with 10 second exposure were used to polymerize samples of TPH (L.D. Caulk) composite resin. The conventional curing light (the Max/L.D. Caulk) with beam sizes of 8 mm and 13 mm and 20 seconds exposure were used to polymerize Silux Plus (3M) composite resin. Twelve samples were made for each set of parameters for a total of 96 samples. The samples were stored in light-proof containers for 24 hours at room temperature and then tested on the Instron testing machine for diametral tensile strengths (MPa). Mean values were calculated for each set of data and ANOVA and Fisher PLSD were used for statistical analysis. Results indicate that in this study there was no statistical difference in diametral tensile strengths (MPa) between the beam sizes for a given power setting and light source.