Knoop Hardness Number Research Articles

Influence of plasma arc and quartz-tungsten-halogen curing lights on the polymerization of orthodontic composite resin

PURPOSE: To analyze, in vitro, the influence of a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) and a plasma arc (PAC) on the degree of conversion and hardness of a composite resin, as well as the heat generated by the units. METHODS: Transbond XT disks were prepared and light-cured for 10, 20 and 30 seconds with a QTH (Curing Light XL 3000) or with a PAC (Apollo 95E) for 1, 2 and 3 seconds. The composite resin polymerization was evaluated by infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and Knoop hardness number (KHN). The temperature at the curing tip was evaluated. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test (α=0.05). RESULTS: According to FTIR and KHN, the polymerization of the composite resin was statistically higher with the QTH. The temperature obtained with the QTH 20 s (45.44oC) and 30 s (45.84oC) was statistically higher than the QTH 10 s (39.90oC). The PAC 1 s (27.12oC), 2 s (28.48oC) and 3 s (29.96oC) presented the lowest temperature and did not differ statistically among them. CONCLUSION: Transbond XT light-activated for 10, 20 and 30 seconds with the QTH presented higher degree of conversion and hardness in comparison with those obtained with the PAC for 1, 2 and 3 seconds, and the QTH generated more heat than the PAC.

Influence of the interaction of light- and self-polymerization on subsurface hardening of a dual-cured core build-up resin composite

Objective. To investigate the influence of time delay and duration of photo-activation on subsurface microhardness of a dual-cured resin composite. Material and methods. A commercially available dual-cured core build-up resin composite (Rebilda DC) was filled in cavities (diameter: 4.0 mm; height: 6.0 mm) of polystyrene molds and light-cured for 20 or 60 s either immediately after the filling procedure (time delay 0 s) or after a time delay of 30, 90, 180 or 300 s. Non-irradiated self-cured specimens served as a control group (n = 15). Specimens were stored in complete darkness and at 100% relative humidity at 37°C for 2 weeks and cross-sectioned. Knoop Hardness Numbers (KHNs) were measured six times per depth and averaged at distances of 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 3.50 and 5.50 mm from the light-exposed surface. Data were statistically analyzed using one- and two-way ANOVA followed by Scheffé's post-hoc test at a level of significance of 0.05. Results. Mean hardness values in all experimental groups ranged between 54.3 ± 2.1 and 58.1 ± 2.3 KHN. Light-curing did not significantly increase composite KHN at any depth measured. Delaying light exposure had no influence on KHN, irrespective of depth. A longer light-exposure time (60 versus 20 s) resulted in significantly higher KHN only at depths of 3.50 and 5.50 mm. Conclusion. Photo-activation of the tested dual-cured resin composite provided no clinically relevant benefit compared to self-curing regarding the degree of hardening.

The effect of power bleaching actived by several light sources on enamel microhardness

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different light sources for in-office bleaching on surface microhardness of human enamel. One hundred and five blocks of third molars were distributed among seven groups. The facial enamel surface of each block was polished and baseline Knoop microhardness of enamel was assessed with a load of 25 g for 5 s. Subsequently, the enamel was treated with 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent and photo-activated with halogen light (group A) during 38 s, LED (group B) during 360 s, and high intensity diode laser (group C) during 4 s. The groups D (38 s), E (360 s), and F (4 s) were treated with the bleaching agent without photo-activated. The control (group G) was only kept in saliva without any treatment. Microhardness was reassessed after 1 day of the bleaching treatment, and after 7 and 21 days storage in artificial saliva. The mean percentage and standard deviation of microhardness in Knoop Hardness Number were: A 97.8 ± 13.1 KHN; B 95.5 ± 12.7 KHN; C 84.2 ± 13.6 KHN; D 128.6 ± 20.5 KHN; E 133.9 ± 14.2 KHN; F 123.9 ± 14.2 KHN; G 129.8 ± 18.8 KHN. Statistical analysis (p < 0.05; Tukey test) showed that microhardness percentage values were significantly lower in the groups irradiated with light when compared with the non-irradiated groups. Furthermore, the non-irradiated groups showed that saliva was able to enhance the microhardness during the measurement times. The enamel microhardness was decreased when light sources were used during the bleaching process and the artificial saliva was able to increase microhardness when no light was used.

Evaluation of dentin hardness and bond strength at different walls of class II preparations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Knoop hardness number (KHN) of dentin and the microtensile bond strength (microTBS) at different walls of MOD preparations, and the correlation between microTBS and the KHN of dentin. Human molars with MOD preparations were allocated into 3 groups according to the preparation wall (axial, gingival, pulpal). Each tooth was sectioned into halves, resulting in two similar preparation walls: one was used for measuring the KHN of dentin and the other for microTBS testing. Flat surfaces of the respective walls were obtained by cutting away adjacent walls. For the KHN measurement, twelve indentations were performed along the preparation wall (50 g/15 s). For microTBS testing, specimens were distributed into 3 groups according to the adhesive system (Adper Single Bond Plus/SB, Clearfil SE Bond/SE, Adper Prompt/AP). Composite blocks were built over surfaces; specimens were sectioned (3 slabs/wall) and trimmed to an hourglass shape (1 mm(2)). The KHN of dentin walls was significantly different (ANOVA/Tukey); pulpal wall > axial wall > gingival wall. The effect of preparation walls on microTBS was dependent on the bonding system (2-way ANOVA/Tukey's test). SB had higher bond strength than the other systems at the gingival wall; and higher than SE at the axial wall. At the pulpal wall, SE presented a higher mean compared to AP. A significant negative correlation between microTBS and KHN was observed at the gingival wall. It could be concluded that dentin structure can affect bond strengths, but the impact of the substrate varies according to the type of adhesive system.

Study of Microhardness and Its Related Physical Constants of Ferroelectric Glycine Phosphite (GPI) Single Crystals

The ferroelectric crystals of Glycine Phosphite were grown by low temperature solution growth technique. The variation of hardness on (010) plane of monoclinic GPI crystals, (NH3CH2COOH3PO3), with load was studied. Vickers hardness, H v and Knoop hardness numbers, H k were found to decrease with an increase in load. Meyer's index ‘n’ was found to be less than 2 showing soft-material characteristics. The fracture toughness values ‘K c’, determined from measurements of crack lengths, were estimated to be 0.1266 MN/m3/2, The brittleness indices ‘B i’ were estimated as 4270.7 m−1/2. Elastic stiffness coefficient, C 11 and Young's modulus were calculated from the hardness.

A biomimetic strategy to form calcium phosphate crystals on type I collagen substrate

Objective The aim of this study is to induce mineralization of collagen by introducing phosphate groups onto type I collagen from eggshell membrane (ESM) by treating with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). This strategy is based on the hypothesis that phosphate groups introduced on collagen can mimic the nucleating role of phosphorylated non-collagenous proteins bound to collagen for inducing mineralization in natural hard tissue. Method The collagen membrane was phosphorylated by treating it with a solution of STMP and saturated calcium hydroxide. The phosphorylated collagen was subsequently exposed to a mineralization solution and the pattern of mineralization on the surface of phosphorylated collagen substrate was analyzed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microhardness test were used to characterize the collagen substrate and the pattern of minerals formed on the collagen surface. Results The FTIR and EDX results indicated that the phosphate groups were incorporated onto the collagen surface by treatment with STMP. During the mineralization process, the plate-like mineral, octacalcium phosphate (OCP), which was initially formed on the surface of ESM, was later transformed into needle-like hydroxyapatite (HAP) as indicated by the SEM, FESEM, EDX and XRD findings. The microhardness test displayed significant increase in the Knoop hardness number of the mineralized collagen. Conclusions Phosphate groups can be introduced onto type I collagen surface by treating it with STMP and such phosphorylated collagen can induce the mineralization of type I collagen.

A confocal micro‐endoscopic investigation of the relationship between the microhardness of carious dentine and its autofluorescence

This study aimed to investigate the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between the microhardness of carious dentine and its native autofluorescence (AF). Six extracted, carious molars were sectioned through natural lesions in the mesio-distal longitudinal plane. The Knoop microhardness (Knoop hardness number, KHN) of the cut surfaces of each sample was recorded at regular intervals through sound and carious dentine. Confocal fibre-optic micro-endoscopic (CFOME) examination of the carious dentine and the sound dentine was carried out at the same intervals using the Cellvizio system (600 microm wide, flat-end probe) with an excitation wavelength of 488 nm. The blindly collected numerical data were analysed using the original microhardness KHN. The data analysis indicated that the autofluorescence signals increased significantly when the microhardness of dentine dropped below 25 KHN. Therefore, the null hypothesis was disproved, and it was concluded from this investigation that the autofluorescent signal intensity recorded using CFOME could produce an objective and reproducible correlation to the microhardness of carious dentine. Confocal fibre-optic micro-endoscopic examination could have clinical potential as a technology to help delineate the carious dentine that might be excavated in a clinical procedure in vivo.

Dual resin cement knoop hardness after different activation modes through dental ceramics

This study investigated the influence of ceramic compositions on Knoop Hardness Number (KHN) immediately and 24 h after polymerization and the effect of activation modes on the KHN of a resin cement. Ten Panavia F 2.0 resin cement discs were activated either directly using curing light, or chemically without light, or through 1.2-thick ceramic discs. The following ceramics were evaluated: Duceram, Cergogold, IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, Procera, Cercon, In Ceram Alumina and In Ceram Zirconia. The KHN was obtained immediately and after 24-h testing time. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were performed for statistical analysis (p<0.05). Direct activation showed higher KHN than activation through ceramics and chemical activation for both immediate and 24-h post activation. The KHN for 24-h post activation time was higher than that of the immediate post activation time except for the direct activation mode. The glass and di-silicate based ceramics showed higher KHN than alumina- and zirconia-based ceramics, immediately and after 24-h. The reinforced and opaque ceramics had the lowest KHN. The ceramic composition resulted in light attenuation, lower polymerization and lower KHN, and the 24-h testing time promoted an improvement of KHN except for direct activation mode.

Microhardess and depth of cure of a spectrum of light-cure composite resins: a comparative study

To determine the proportion of composite resin materials that is capable of bulk or large incremental cure. This study was carried out at the Dental Biomaterials and Biomechanics Laboratory, Dental School, University of Manchester, England. Six randomly selected composite resins and one experimental sample were employed for this study. The technique employed by Watts et al. was employed for the study. Knoop hardness number (KHN) was measured as a function of depth of the material at 0.2 mm intervals. One-Way ANOVA test and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Clearfil Majesty Posterior has the highest value for microhardness and depth of cure while Els extra low shrinkage A3 has the lowest value for micro hardness and depth of cure. Estelite 0 and Clearfil Majesty Posterior (28.6%) have depths of cure greater than 3.0 mm and may, therefore, be capable of large incremental cure. Gradia Dentin and Els extra low shrinkage A3 (28.6%) have depths of cure lesser than 2.0 mm while Filtek Silorane (experimental material) has a depth of cure of 2.4 mm. NEUN and Els extra low shrinkage A2 have depths of cure of 2.3 and 2.5 mm respectively. It appears that Clearfil Majesty Posterior and Estelite 0 (28.6%) can effectively be cured in bulk or large increments. It is imperative to investigate the depth of cure of composite resin materials before using them in bulk or large increments.

Effect of preliminary irradiation on depth of cure and hardness of a veneering composite

This study evaluated the effect of preliminary irradiation on the depth of cure and Knoop hardness of a veneering composite. The composite was filled into a mold, and irradiated with different irradiation duration or irradiance. After removing the mold, the depth of cure was measured, and the Knoop hardness number at each depth was determined and statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. Depth of cure of the composite polymerized by the Sublite S unit with a distance of 15 cm for 30 or 60 s was less than 2.0 mm. The Knoop hardness number of the group polymerized by the Hyper LII unit without preliminary irradiation and the group polymerized by the Sublite S unit with a distance of 3 cm was higher than that of the group polymerized by the Sublite S unit for 90 s or the group polymerized by the Solidilite unit, respectively, even though the depth of cure for these four groups was higher than 2 mm. Preliminary irradiation with long duration and low irradiance caused a low degree of polymerization, which is probably effective in enhancing the bond strength between veneering composite and cast framework.

Comparison of silorane and methacrylate-based composite resins on the curing light transmission

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different composite resins - Filtek P90 (silorane-based composite) and Heliomolar (methacrylate-based composite) - on light transmission and decrease in Knoop hardness between the bottom and top of cured specimens. The irradiance of a light-curing unit (LCU) was measured with a power meter (Ophir Optronics; 900 mw/cm2) and spectral distributions were obtained using a spectrometer (USB 2000). Twenty standardized cylindrical specimens (2 mm thick x 7 mm diameter) of each composite resin were obtained by curing using the LCU for 40 s. Light energy transmission through the composite was calculated (n=10). The Knoop hardness number for each surface was recorded as the mean of 3 indentations. The difference in Knoop hardness between the top and bottom (DKH) of the same specimen was calculated (n=10). The irradiance of light that passed through Filtek P90 (272 mW/cm2) was not significantly greater than that the passed through Heliomolar (271 mW/cm2). The DKH of Filtek P90 (25%) was significantly higher than that of Heliomolar (12%). There was a greater degree of subsurface polymerization of the methacrylate-based composite compared to the silorane-based composite.

Bond durability of self-adhesive resin cement to glass ceramic

To evaluate the bond durability of glass ceramic to self-adhesive and conventional resin cements. Maximum water sorption and solubility of two resin cements (A: self-adhesive type, G-CEM; B: conventional type, Linkmax HV) were measured during 6 week water storage. And their surface Knoop hardness number was measured at 0.5, 24 h and 6 week after irradiation. Sixty-four glass ceramic samples were or were not silanized with one of the three silane coupling agents (A: Monobond S; B: Clearfil Ceramic Primer; C: GC Ceramic Primer), and then cemented with two resin cements. The micro-bond strength between the two cements and glass ceramic were measured at baseline and after 30 000 thermal cycle. Cement A had higher water sorption [(79.62 +/- 5.63) microg/mm³] and solubility [(4.78 +/- 3.33) microg/mm³] than cement B[(35.03 +/- 3.33) microg/mm³, (0.00 +/- 0.00) microg/mm³]. Cement A and B could achieve maximal surface hardness at 24 h after irradiation, and this was maintained during 6 week water storage. After 30 000 thermal cycle, the micro-bond strength between unsilanized glass ceramic and cement A or B was (0.00 +/- 0.00) MPa, and those between cement A and silanized glass ceramic with silane coupling agent A, B and C, were (2.86 +/- 3.25), (12.75 +/- 1.55) and (11.98 +/- 2.35) MPa respectively [for cement B, the data was (5.15 +/- 5.20), (10.94 +/- 3.30) and (14.18 +/- 3.13) MPa]. No significant diffrence was found between the micro-bond strength of cement A and that of cement B with glass ceramic. Self-adhesive resin cement can achieve similar bond durability to glass ceramic as conventional resin cement does.

Cavity Preparation and Influence of Restorative Materials on the Prevention of Secondary Caries

This in vitro study evaluated the influence of cavity preparation using the Er:YAG laser and restorative materials containing fluoride on preventing caries lesions. It has been suggested that cavity preparation using the Er:YAG laser has a potential for improving resistance to secondary caries on enamel. Forty unerupted human third molars teeth were sectioned into 72 blocks of dental enamel and distributed into two groups to prepare cavities measuring (1.6 mm diameter) with diamond burs (DB) or Er:YAG laser (LA; 6 Hz, 300 mJ, 47 J/cm(2)). After that, each group was divided into three subgroups and restored with a glass-ionomer cement (GI), a resin-modified glass-ionomer (RM), or a composite resin (CR). Blocks were thermal cycled and submitted to a pH challenge to develop artificial caries-like lesions. Lesions were evaluated by Knoop microhardness test. An average of four indentations was used. Statistical analyses were performed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. The results (in Knoop hardness number) for DB cavity preparation were GI, 235.5 (+/-75.5); RM, 137.1 (+/-64.1); and CR, 39.3 (+/-26.5). For LA cavity preparation, the results were GI, 410.0 (+/-129.7); RM, 310.3 (+/-119.5); and CR, 96.4 (+/-57.4). There was less development of caries lesion around LA-prepared cavities than around the DB-prepared cavities; however, no synergistic cariostatic effect was observed between the Er:YAG laser and glass ionomer cement.

Degree of conversion and hardness of an orthodontic resin cured with a light-emitting diode and a quartz-tungsten-halogen light

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of two light units, a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) and a light-emitting diode (LED), on the hardness and degree of conversion of an orthodontic composite resin. Sixty specimen disks were prepared from Transbond XT composite resin (3M Unitek) and light cured for 10, 20, and 30 seconds with a QTH (Curing Light XL 3000, 3M Unitek) or a LED (Ortholux, 3M Unitek) light-curing unit for 5, 10, and 15 seconds. Composite resin polymerization was evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry and Knoop hardness number (KHN). The results were statistically analysed using analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparisons test (alpha = 0.05). The highest KHN was obtained with the QTH at 30 (25.19 KHN) and 20 (24.01) seconds, which did not differ statistically, and in the LED 15 second (21.86) group. The QTH 10 second group (20.53) did not differ statistically from the QTH 20 second or the LED 5 (19.96) and 15, or 10 second (18.95) groups. According to FTIR, there was no statistical difference for the degree of conversion among the groups, QTH 10 (43.42 per cent), QTH 20 (46.12 per cent), QTH 30 (45.30 per cent), LED 10 (47.02 per cent), or LED 15 (47.24 per cent) seconds. The lowest degree of conversion was obtained for the LED 5 second group (38.97 per cent), which did not differ statistically from the QTH 10 second group. Light curing with the LED resulted in a reduction of 50 per cent in the time recommended for use of the QTH light with the composite resin, Transbond XT.

Comparison of Methods for Evaluating Mineral Loss: Hardness versus Synchrotron Microcomputed Tomography

This study analyzed degrees of demineralization in bovine enamel using synchrotron microcomputed tomography (SMCT) and hardness measurements (Knoop hardness number, KHN). For 5 days, 40 bovine enamel blocks were individually subjected to a pH cycling model and treatment with fluoride dentifrices (placebo, 275, 550 and 1,100 μg F/g) diluted in deionized water twice a day. Surface hardness number and cross-sectional profiles of hardness and mineral concentration (by SMCT) were determined. Integrated hardness (KHN × μm) for sound and demineralized specimens was calculated and subtracted to give the integrated loss of hardness (ΔKHN) for the lesions. Increasing fluoride concentration in the dentifrices led to higher values for surface hardness after pH cycling and mineral concentration (g_HAp cm^–3), and lower values for ΔKHN (p < 0.05). From the present results, it may be concluded that hardness measurements revealed demineralization in all groups, which was lower in groups treated with dentifrice with a higher F concentration. SMCT and hardness measurements gave similar results in areas with higher demineralization, but diverged in areas with lower demineralization.

Surface properties of an indirect composite polymerized with five laboratory light polymerization systems

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of laboratory light polymerization systems on the post-curing properties of a composite. An indirect composite (Sinfony) was polymerized with five polymerization systems (Visio system, Hyper LII, Pearlcure Light, Twinkle MIII, and UniXS II) using nine polymerization modes. After light exposure, Knoop hardness number, wear depth, and changes in gloss were determined. The highest hardness number was recorded with the use of the Hyper LII (120 s) and Pearlcure Light (120 s) units, whereas the lowest value was obtained with the Visio system and UniXS II (60 s). Six groups demonstrated comparable as well as higher wear resistance to toothbrush abrasion (Hyper LII 60 and 120 s, UniXS II 120 s, Pearlcure Light 60 and 120 s, and Twinkle MIII 120 s), and two groups exhibited lower wear resistance (Visio system and UniXS II 60 s). Gloss of the composite was not dependent on the polymerization mode used before wear testing. However, surface gloss was significantly reduced by toothbrush dentifrice abrasion. Within the limitations of the present experiment, it can be concluded that the Sinfony composite can be polymerized sufficiently with high-intensity light polymerization units.

Knoop hardness of composites cured with halogen and led light-curing units in class I restorations

Aim: To evaluate the effect of light-curing units (LCUs) on the microhardness of class I composite restorations at different depths. Methods: Two light emitting diodes (LED) (Freelight 2, Radii) and one halogen (Optilux 501) LCUs were evaluated. Thirty class I cavities prepared in human third molars were restored with a microhybrid (Charisma) and a microfilled (Renamel) resin composite. After seven days of water storage, the teeth were decoronated and the crowns were bisected mesiodistally and tested for microhardness under a 25 g load for 20 seconds. Fifteen indentations were performed at three depths for each half-crown. Results: Charisma presented significantly higher Knoop hardness number (KHN) values than Renamel. At the superficial depth, there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) when Charisma was cured with both LED curing units. However, statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found when Charisma was light-cured with the halogen LCU. The lowest KHN value was obtained by Renamel light-cured with both LED LCUs, regardless of the composite. Nevertheless, when the microfilled composite was light-cured with the halogen LCU, hardness was significantly higher compared to those cured with LED units at all evaluated depths. Conclusions: The effectiveness of polymerization is related not only to the light-curing source, but also to the type of composite and the curing depth.

Effect of indentation load and time on knoop and vickers microhardness tests for enamel and dentin

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of variations in indentation load and time on the Knoop and Vickers hardness numbers (KHN and VHN) for enamel and dentin. Twenty molar teeth were divided into twenty enamel and twenty dentin specimens. Each specimen was tested using a Knoop or Vickers microhardness tester at different loads and times. The difference in hardness between the groups was analyzed with two-way ANOVA followed by a Tukey test. The results revealed that a difference of indentation time did not influence the microhardness number of enamel and dentin. The KHN values of enamel and the VHN values of dentin were affected by variation of test loads. Therefore, the tooth hardness number for different loads may not be acceptable for comparison.

Effect of different light curing units on Knoop hardness and temperature of resin composite

To evaluate the influence of quartz tungsten halogen and plasma arc curing (PAC) lights on Knoop hardness and change in polymerization temperature of resin composite. Filtek Z250 and Esthet X composites were used in the shade A3. The temperature increase was registered with Type-k thermocouple connected to a digital thermometer (Iopetherm 46). A self-cured polymerized acrylic resin base was built in order to guide the thermocouple and to support the dentin disk of 1.0 mm thickness obtained from bovine tooth. On the acrylic resin base, elastomer mold of 2.0 mm was adapted. The temperature increase was measured after composite light curing. After 24 h, the specimens were submitted to Knoop hardness test (HMV-2000, Shimadzu, Tokyo, Japan). Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). For both composites, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the top surface hardness; however, PAC promoted statistically lower (P < 0.05) Knoop hardness number values in the bottom. The mean temperature increase showed no significant statistical differences (P > 0.05). The standardized radiant exposure showed no influence on the temperature increase of the composite, however, showed significant effect on hardness values.

Knoop Microhardness and FT-Raman Spectroscopic Evaluation of a Resin-Based Dental Material Light-Cured by an Argon Ion Laser and Halogen Lamp: Anin VitroStudy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the Knoop microhardness (Knoop hardness number [KHN]) and the degree of conversion using FT-Raman spectroscopy of a light-cured microhybrid resin composite (Z350-3M-ESPE) Vita shade A3 photopolymerized with a halogen lamp or an argon ion laser. Optimal polymerization of resin-based dental materials is important for longevity of restorations in dentistry. Thirty specimens were prepared and inserted into a disc-shaped polytetrafluoroethylene mold that was 2.0 mm thick and 3 mm in diameter. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10 each). Group 1 (G1) was light-cured for 20 sec with an Optilux 501 halogen light with an intensity of 1000 mW/cm(2). Group 2 (G2) was photopolymerized with an argon laser with a power of 150 mW for 10 sec, and group 3 (G3) was photopolymerized with an argon laser at 200 mW of power for 10 sec. All specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37 degrees C and kept in lightproof containers. For the KHN test five indentations were made and a depth of 100 microm was maintained in each specimen. One hundred and fifty readings were obtained using a 25-g load for 45 sec. The degree of conversion values were measured by Raman spectroscopy. KHN and degree of conversion values were obtained on opposite sides of the irradiated surface. KHN and degree of conversion data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The results of KHN testing were G1 = 37.428 +/- 4.765; G2 = 23.588 +/- 6.269; and G3 = 21.652 +/- 4.393. The calculated degrees of conversion (DC%) were G1 = 48.57 +/- 2.11; G2 = 43.71 +/- 3 .93; and G3 = 44.19 +/- 2.71. Polymerization with the halogen lamp (G1) attained higher microhardness values than polymerization with the argon laser at power levels of 150 and 200 mW; there was no difference in hardness between the two argon laser groups. The results showed no statistically significant different degrees of conversion for the polymerization of composite samples with the two light sources tested.