Mechanical characterisation of multi vs. uni-directional carbon fiber frameworks for dental implant applications

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanical characteristics of dental implant frameworks made of unidirectional carbon fiber composite (UF) and to compare them with those provided by multidirectional carbon fiber composite (IF). Methods8 identical UF samples were used. The samples were initially evaluated by optical microscope and SEM then non-destructive and destructive mechanical tests were performed on 4 samples in order to evaluate dynamic, static elastic modulus, wettability and ultimate strength. The outcomes were compared with those of IF samples tested following the same protocol – data reported in a previous published paper. The remaining 4 samples were aged for 60 days in isotonic saline solution at 37 °C simulating the human saliva. The same tests reported before were performed on the aged samples. ResultsThe dynamic elastic modulus was lower for UF (78.1 GPa for UF vs. 92.2 GPa for IF) as well as the static elastic modulus (71.0 GPa for UF vs. 84.5 GPa for IF). The ultimate strength value was 582 MPa for the IF samples and 700 MPa for the UF. The aging process of the UF samples did not show any appreciable variation, with small differences that falls within the experimental error. SignificanceUnidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced composite appears suitable for the fabrication of frameworks for implant-supported full-arch dentures. The dynamic elastic modulus was higher for UF while the static elastic modulus was higher for IF. The aging process seems not able to significantly alter the mechanical properties of the material. Further research is needed to evaluate the clinical significance of such outcomes.