Abstract
Objectives Interaction between mechanical and chemical fatigue of resin composites was investigated. Methods Fatigue fracture resistance of composites after (1) water immersion and under (2) dry and (3) aqueous conditions was analyzed using a fatigue crack propagation test. The characteristics of fatigue crack propagation were expressed as the correlation between the fatigue crack growth rate (d a/d N) and stress intensity factor range (Δ K) and by the fatigue crack growth threshold (Δ Kth). Following the fatigue test, a fractographic examination was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Results Contrary to common perception, fatigue crack propagation was retarded under aqueous conditions but accelerated after water immersion. In addition, fatigue cracks detoured around inorganic macro-fillers, but penetrated organic fillers. Significance It was concluded that the inverse effects of water on fatigue resistance of composites are dependent on the experimental conditions. Moreover, inorganic macro-fillers were shown to be functional in retarding fatigue cracks in composites.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
