Knoop Hardness Research Articles

The anti-caries effects of copper tetraamine fluoride on enamel: An in vitro study

ObjectiveTo investigate the antibacterial, remineralising, and discolouring effects of copper tetraamine fluoride (CTF) on artificial enamel caries. MethodHuman enamel blocks with artificial caries were treated with CTF, silver diamine fluoride (SDF, positive control) and water (negative control) before being challenged with Streptococcus mutans. The morphology, viability, and growth kinetics of biofilm were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and colony-forming unit (CFU) counting. The lesion depths, mineral loss, micro-hardness, and crystal characteristics were assessed using micro-computed tomography, Knoop Hardness Tester, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The discolouring property was assessed by spectrophotometry. ResultsSEM showed that bacteria completely covered the enamel surface treated with water, but not the enamel surface treated with CTF and SDF. CLSM showed dead-to-live ratio of biofilm treated with CTF, SDF and water were 0.8 ± 0.1, 0.9 ± 0.2 and 0.5 ± 0.1 (p < 0.001, CTF, SDF>Water). Log10 CFU values of biofilm treated with CTF, SDF and water were 7.7 ± 0.2, 7.7 ± 0.1 and 8.1 ± 0.1 (p < 0.001, CTF, SDF<Water). Lesion-depths (μm) of the CTF, SDF and water groups were 93 ± 6, 92 ± 7 and 152 ± 29 (p < 0.001, CTF, SDF<Water). Mineral loss (gHApcm−3) of the CTF, SDF and water groups were 0.4 ± 0.1, 0.4 ± 0.2 and 1.0 ± 0.2 (p < 0.001, CTF, SDF<Water). Knoop hardness of the CTF, SDF and water groups were 70 ± 23, 68 ± 16 and 21 ± 10 (p < 0.05, CTF, SDF>Water). XRD revealed well-crystallised hydroxyapatite in enamel treated with CTF and SDF, but not water. Spectrophotometry showed ΔE values of the CTF, SDF and water groups were 5 ± 3, 54 ± 6 and 6 ± 2 (p < 0.001, CTF, water<SDF). ConclusionCTF inhibited Streptococcus mutans biofilm and remineralised artificial enamel caries without discolouration. Clinical significanceIf CTF is successfully translated into clinical use, it can be a simple agent for clinicians to arrest enamel caries.

Characterization of 3D printed composite for final dental restorations.

This study evaluated the mechanical, optical, microstructural, surface, and adhesive behavior of a 3D printing resin comparing it with a machinable resin composite. Specimens of different sizes and shapes were either printed (Vitality, Smart Dent) or machinable (Grandio Blocs, Voco GmbH) resin composites with similar composition were prepared. Surface and mechanical characterization were performed with Knoop hardness, flexural strength (three-point-bending), and elastic modulus tests. The wear of the tested materials was evaluated against steatite antagonists. The optical properties stability (color change, ΔE00, and translucency, TP00) were observed after staining in red wine. In addition, the bond strength of the resin composites to two resin cement protocols were investigated with microshear bond strength tests at baseline and after thermocycling. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) was used for microstructural and chemical characterization. Statistical analyses were performed with t- and ANOVA tests. Hardness values (132.76 (16.32) KH- Machinable and 35.87 (2.78) KH - Printed), flexural strength (172.17 (26.99) MPa - Machinable and 88.69 (8.39) MPa - Printed), color and translucency change (1.86 (0.31)/0.06 - Machinable and 3.73 (0.36)/9,16- Printed), and wear depth (24.97mm (3.60)- Machinable and 7.16mm (2.84) - Printed) were statistically different. Average Regarding bond strength, mean values (MPa) for non-aged and aged groups were respectively 21.76 (6.64) / 31.9 (12.66) for Bifix cement (Voco GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany) and 26.75 (5.14) / 24.36 (6.85) for Variolink cement (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) in Printed and 17.79 (3.89) / 9.01 (3.36) ) for Bifix cement and 22.09 (6.55) / 11.01 (3.77) for Variolink cement in Machinable materials. The material and aging factors did affect bond strength but the cement factor did not (p = 0.202). No statistical differences were observed for mean roughness (Ra) between materials. The better dispersion and larger size of the inorganic particles in the Machinable resin were contrasted with the clustered smaller particles of printed resin, under SEM. The mechanical properties and color stability of the machinable resin were superior to those of the printed resin, probably due to the greater amount and dispersion of inorganic particles in the Mach resin, but bond strength after aging was stronger and more stable in the printed resin. 3D-printed resin composites with similar compositions to machinable resin composites do not necessarily exhibit the same properties, which can impact clinical performance. Understanding these differences can assist manufacturers in improving their materials and help clinicians distinguish between materials appropriate for provisional and final restorations.

Impact of Battery Levels of a Cordless LED Curing Unit on Resin Cement under Varied Lithium Disilicate Thicknesses and Translucencies.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of battery levels on the emission of a multi-peak cordless LED light-curing unit (LCU) and the effect on the degree of conversion (DC) and Knoop hardness (KH) of a light-cure resin luting agent activated through varying lithium disilicate (LiS2) ceramic thicknesses and translucencies. High and low translucency LiS2 discs (IPS e.max Press HT and LT, respectively; shade A1) with thickness of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm were fabricated. Resin luting agent specimens (Variolink Esthetic LC) were prepared and cured using a Bluephase G2 LCU at different battery levels (100%, 50%, and 10%) through the LiS2 ceramics. The transmitted irradiance was evaluated using USB4000 MARC, while FTIR and a microhardness tester assessed DC and KH, respectively. After ensuring homoscedasticity, the data wee analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey HSD test (α=0.05). The study found strong positive correlations between battery levels and irradiance, particularly with no ceramic interposition and through HT ceramics (R2=0.9471), although this correlation diminished with thicker HT (R2=0.7907) and LT ceramics (R2<0.2980). Both battery levels and ceramic thickness significantly influenced transmitted irradiance (p<0.0001), resulting in lower values with decreased battery levels and increased ceramic thicknesses (p<0.0001). LT ceramics showed lower transmittance than HT. DC was significantly affected by both battery levels and ceramic thicknesses, with generally lower DC values except for LT ceramics at a 10% battery level (p<0.0001). No significant differences in DC were observed between HT and LT translucencies (p=0.548). KH was higher in HT than LT ceramics at 100% and 50% battery levels, with thicker ceramics showing lower KH values at 10% battery level (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Reduced battery levels in cordless LED curing units significantly affect the irradiance, degree of conversion, and hardness of light-curable resin luting agents. Maintaining battery levels above 50% is recommended for optimal performance. Thicker and more opaque ceramics significantly impacted incident irradiance. However, preserving radiant energy could potentially mitigate these limitations.

Optimization of Mn-Zn ferrite doping in phosphate-based glass ceramics for enhanced hyperthermia efficiency and bioactivity

This study investigates the effects of Mn-Zn ferrite (MZF) content and heat treatment temperature on the structural, mechanical, magnetic, and bioactive properties of Na2O-CaO-P2O5 glass ceramics. Various MZF contents (5MZF, 10MZF, 20MZF, and 40MZF) were incorporated into the glass ceramics and subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures (600, 650, 700, and 800 °C). The results demonstrated that increasing the MZF content significantly enhanced the mechanical properties, including Vickers hardness, Knoop hardness, and Young's modulus. For example, the Vickers hardness values increased from 5.6 GPa in 5MZF samples to 7.1 GPa in 40MZF samples. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of major crystalline phases, such as Ca2P2O7 and Na4Ca(PO3)6, with NaFe3P3O12 and (Zn,Mn)Fe2O4 appearing in samples with higher MZF content. Magnetic measurements indicated that the 40MZF samples treated at 700 °C reached a satisfactory hyperthermia temperature of 43 °C within 16 min. Bioactivity tests showed a decrease in bioactivity with increasing MZF content, whereas cytotoxicity assays confirmed that all MZF-Na2O-CaO-P2O5 bioactive glass ceramics were non-toxic, maintaining over 100 % cell viability after 24 h. These findings suggest that MZF-containing glass ceramics have potential applications in the biomedical field, particularly when enhanced mechanical and magnetic properties are required.

Restoring Enamel Strength: A Knoop Hardness Number Evaluation of Remineralizing Toothpastes.

Aim This investigation compares and assesses the microhardness of human dental enamel after the use of two types of widely available remineralizing toothpaste. Methodology Thirty extracted anterior incisors were chosen as study samples and split into three groups: Control (Group 1), Enafix (EX-Group 2), and Sensodyne Repair (SR-Group 3). All of the sample groups were assessed using a Knoop indenter at baseline, after demineralization, and then again after remineralization. Then, to compare the outcomes for the variation in Knoop hardness, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed. Results The Control group exhibited the highest mean microhardness (472.00±17.783), indicating superior enamel integrity and the least variability. The EX group showed a lower mean microhardness of 340.40±40.368, demonstrating effective remineralization but with greater variability. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed highly significant differences between the groups, with an F-statistic of 104.292 and a p-value of 0.000, indicating that the variations in microhardness among the groups were statistically significant. Conclusion Both SRand EX toothpaste can effectively help dental enamel regain its hardness and remineralization following demineralization with slightly superior activity from EX.

Exploring mechanical behavior at interfaces of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) deposits on wrought Inconel 718: an indentation-based approach

PurposeThis study used an indentation-based mechanical testing framework for the mechanical characterization of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processed Inconel 718 on a wrought Inconel 718 substrate. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the effectiveness of the indentation-based approach for localized mechanical evaluation.Design/methodology/approachThe LPBF-processed wrought substrate was sectioned into three sections for microstructural and mechanical characterization. A 3D heat source model was used for the thermal analysis of the interface region. The developed interface region is probed using the Knoop hardness indenter in different orientations to determine the textural anisotropy and mechanical behavior of the region.FindingsLPBF process develops a melted interface zone (MIZ) at the deposition-substrate interface. The MIZ exhibited a coarse grain structure region along with a larger primary dendritic arm spacing (PDAS), signifying a slower cooling rate. FE modeling of the LPBF process reveals heat accumulation in the substrate along with intrinsic heat treatment (IHT) induced due to layer-wise processing. The obtained yield locus shows strong anisotropy in the deposition region, whereas reduced anisotropy with a nearly uniform ellipse locus for the MIZ regions. This reduced anisotropy is attributable to IHT and heat accumulation in the substrate.Originality/valueAn alternative localized mechanical characterization tool has been investigated in this work. The approach proved sensitive to thermal variations during LPBF processing in an isolated region which extends its suitability to variable geometry parts. Moreover, the approach could serve as a screening tool for parts made from dissimilar metals.

Mechanical properties of dual-polymerizing resin-core material, dual-polymerizing resin cement, and bulk-fill composite resin used for restoring endodontically treated teeth

How resin-based material and a light-activation protocol influence the mechanical properties of materials used to cement glass fiber post-and-cores in endodontically treated teeth is unclear. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of immediate or 5-minute delayed light activation on the mechanical properties of dual-polymerizing resin cements and dual-polymerizing resin-core materials compared with bulk-fill composite resins. Nine resin-based materials were tested: 4 dual-polymerizing resin-core materials, (Allcem Core; FGM, LuxaCore Z; DMG, Rebilda DC; VOCO, and (Clearfil DC Core Plus; KURARAY), 3 dual-polymerizing resin cements, (RelyX Universal; 3M ESPE, RelyX U200; 3M ESPE, and Allcem Dual; FGM), and 2 bulk-fill composite resins, (Opus Bulk Fill APS; FGM, and Filtek One Bulk Fill; 3M ESPE). The dual-polymerizing materials were light activated using both protocols. The postgel shrinkage (Shr), flexural strength (FS), elastic modulus (E), Knoop hardness (KH), degree of conversion (DC), and depth of polymerization (DoP) were measured (n=10). The data for Shr, FS, E, and DoP were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA, and for KH and DC using 2-way repeated measurement ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). A 5-minute delay before light-activation significantly reduced Shr for all materials (P<.001). Increasing the depth significantly reduced the KH for all materials (P<.001). Bulk-fill composite resins and dual-polymerizing resin-core had higher KH values than dual-polymerizing resin cements (P<.001). Delayed 5-minute light-activation reduced postgel shrinkage and had no negative effect on mechanical properties. Dual-polymerizing resin-core materials exhibited higher KH values than dual-polymerizing resin cement and mechanical properties similar to those of bulk-fill composite resin.

The effects of beverage erosion on enamel: evaluating surface characteristics and loss of calcium and phosphate ions

BackgroundThe erosive impacts of various beverages on dental enamel have been identified as a potential erosive threat to dental hard tissues. This in vitro study aimed to address this by utilizing a systematic approach and advanced analytical methods to study enamel erosion due to selected beverages in a simulated oral environment.MethodsForty-nine extracted sound second premolar teeth were collected, disinfected, and prepared. These teeth were randomly allocated into seven groups, each exposed to a different beverage: distilled water, mineral water, instant coffee, black tea, Pepsi-Cola, orange juice, and synthetic vinegar. The modified Nordini Artificial Model (mNAM) was used to simulate the oral cavity. The enamel surfaces were scanned using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and analyzed using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Surface hardness was measured using the Knoop Hardness Scale. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.ResultsDistilled water and mineral water exhibited no significant changes in enamel surface or hardness. Coffee caused an 8–9% loss of calcium and phosphate, indicating potential erosion. Black tea showed signs of remineralization rather than demineralization. Pepsi-Cola and orange juice caused substantial erosion, with Pepsi-Cola resulting in a nearly 24% loss of calcium. Vinegar had a marked erosive effect, with a 17% loss of both calcium and phosphate. SEM images corroborated these findings, showing pronounced enamel prisms and increased visibility of minor cracks in post-treatment teeth. EDS analysis revealed significant changes in the elemental composition of the enamel.ConclusionsThis study categorised beverages based on their pH and fluoride content, revealing that drinks like Pepsi-Cola and orange juice are acidic but low in fluoride, whereas black tea, mineral water, and vinegar are acidic yet contain fluoride. The study suggests that the decrease in pH of acidic beverages may contribute to dental erosion, with fluoride as a mitigating factor. Among the various metrics assessed for evaluating dental erosion, hardness emerged as the most reliable quantitative parameter.

Microhardness and characterization of human dental tissue after application of enzymatic chemical agents: In vitro study.

The use of enzymatic chemical agents are papain-based materials used in the selective removal of decayed dentin tissue, assisting in conservative techniques and reducing the chances of accidental pulp exposure. A research protocol was subjected to and approved by an Ethics Committee. Using a reporting guide for laboratory studies (CRIS). Healthy human teeth comprised the produced dentin discs subjected to polishing and washing in an ultrasonic bath. Next, the discs received material application according to the experimental groups: water-soluble gel for two minutes, 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds in dentin and 30 seconds in enamel, Papacárie Duo (PD) for 30 seconds and two minutes, and Brix 3000 (BX) for two minutes and 30 seconds. The measurement of material pH used solutions at concentrations of 0.1 ml and 2.7 ml prepared for each enzymatic agent. Then, a bench pH meter (n=10) and pH indicator strips determined pH values. The discs underwent the Knoop hardness test (n=10). The sample calculation was performed using the GPower software with α = 0.05, effect 0.63 and power of 95%. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out for pH, one way ANOVA supplemented by Tukey for knoop hardness and Spearman correlation for pH measurement techniques. The enamel hardness findings indicated that, after material application, ECAs do not statistically differ from water-soluble gel (p<0.05). The dentinal hardness analysis presented a statistical difference in phosphoric acid from the other groups (p<0.05). In the pH test, BX values were lower (4.37 ± 0.01) than PD (4.85 ± 0.06). The groups statistically differed (p<0.05). ECAs for removing decayed dentin tissue did not significantly alter the hardness of enamel and dentin, removal of the smear layer is time-dependent and presents acidity. Key words:Dental caries, Hardness, Dental materials, Papain.

Microstructural characterization, mechanical and microbiological properties of acrylic resins added with reduced graphene oxide.

To evaluate the microstructural characterization, mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity of acrylic resins incorporated with different concentrations of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Specimens were made of self-cured and heat-cured acrylic resins for the control group and concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 3%. The microstructural characterization was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS). For mechanical testing, flexural strength, and Knoop hardness tests were performed. Microbiological evaluations were performed by colony forming units (CFU) analysis, tetrazolium salt reduction (XTT), and SEM images. The modified acrylic resins showed increased mechanical properties at low concentrations (p < 0.05) and with reduced S. mutans (p < 0.05). Reduced graphene oxide interfered with the mechanical performance and microbiological properties of acrylic resins depending on the concentration of rGO, and type of polymerization and microorganism evaluated. The incorporation of graphene compounds into acrylic resins is an alternative to improve the antimicrobial efficacy and performance of the material.

Effect of continuous vs sequential chelation on the mechanical properties of root dentin: An ex vivo study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the mechanical properties of root canal dentin treated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in combination with hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid (HEDP) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). MethodsFor testing fracture resistance, 45 single-rooted teeth were instrumented and irrigated with NaOCl/HEDP, NaOCl/EDTA, or distilled water. Fifteen untreated teeth served as control. After obturation, specimens from the experimental groups were thermocycled, dynamically-loaded, and then statically-loaded in a universal testing machine until failure. For flexural strength analysis, 15 teeth were instrumented and irrigated with NaOCl/HEDP or NaOCl/EDTA. Root segments were sectioned into dentin bars and tested for flexural strength using a universal testing machine. For microhardness evaluation, 20 teeth were instrumented and irrigated with NaOCl/HEDP or NaOCl/EDTA. Dentin disks from the coronal-third of each root segment were prepared, one before and one after irrigation, for microhardness testing with a Knoop hardness tester. ResultsThe highest fracture resistance was recorded in the untreated group, and the lowest in the EDTA group. Although the HEDP group had higher fracture resistance than the EDTA group, the distilled water group demonstrated even greater fracture resistance than the HEDP group. Specimens treated with HEDP had significantly higher flexural strength and microhardness values when compared with those treated with EDTA. ConclusionThe fracture resistance, flexural strength, and microhardness of root canal dentin were higher when root canals were irrigated with NaOCl/HEDP, when compared with NaOCl/EDTA. Clinical significanceIrrigating root canals with NaOCl combined with HEDP significantly improves the mechanical integrity of root canal dentin compared to the use of NaOCl with EDTA.

Influence of bottled salad dressings on the development of enamel erosion in the presence or absence of salivary pellicle – An in vitro study

BackgroundAcidic beverages are believed to elevate the risk of enamel surface erosion. In addition to the intake of soft drinks, the increased consumption of salad dressings has been linked to a higher prevalence of dental erosion. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the influence of bottled salad dressings on the development of enamel erosion in the presence or absence of pellicle through in vitro experiment. MethodsPreliminary pH and calcium analyses of solutions were performed. Highest pH and calcium content was found for sandwich spread i.e., 4.69 and 55.4 mg/100 g grams, respectively. Eighty tooth specimens (measuring 4 × 4 × 3 mm) were prepared from extracted human premolars and randomly assigned to four groups (group 1: orange juice; group 2: eggless plain mayonnaise; group 3: sandwich spread; and group 4: thousand island dressing) with 20 samples in each group. Ten tooth specimens from each group were immersed in 20 ml of the respective solutions for 5 min (control group). The remaining ten tooth specimens from each group were submerged in 5 mL saliva vials for 3 min to facilitate salivary pellicle formation before being immersed in their respective solutions for 5 min (saliva-covered group). Pre and post-experimental assessments of enamel roughness and hardness were conducted using a surface roughness tester and Knoop Hardness indenter, respectively. ResultsOverall, enamel roughness was notably elevated in the control group, with the eggless plain mayonnaise (0.52 ± 0.38) and thousand island dressing groups (0.57 ± 0.29) showing a significant increase in surface roughness post-test (p = 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in the enamel roughness between the groups. On the other hand, regardless of the presence/absence of the salivary pellicle, a marked decrease in enamel hardness was observed among all groups except for group 3 (sandwich spread) with a mean score of 311.5 ± 82.6 (p < 0.05). ConclusionA significant increase in surface roughness and reduction in enamel hardness was observed with salad dressings. However, in vitro formed salivary pellicle showed a protective effect against tooth erosion.

A Comparative Analysis of Low and High SiC Volume Fraction Additively Manufactured SiC/Ti6Al4V(ELI) Composites Based on the Best Process Parameters of Laser Power, Scanning Speed and Hatch Distance.

Silicon carbide (SiC) exhibits intriguing thermo-physical properties such as higher heat capacity and conductivity, as well as a lower density than Ti6Al4V(ELI). These properties make SiC a good candidate for the reinforcement of Ti6Al4V(ELI) with respect to its use as a heat shield in aero turbines to increase their efficiency. The traditional materials used in aircraft structures were required to have a combination of good mechanical properties such as strength, stiffness, and hardness and low weight, as well as low thermo-physical properties such as coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and thermal conductivity. The alloy Ti6Al4V(ELI) has a density of 4.45 g/cm3, which is lower than that of structural steel (7.4 g/cm3) and higher than that of aluminium (2.5 g/cm3). Lower density benefits light weighting. Aluminium is the lightest of the traditional materials used but has relatively low strength. The CTE of SiC of 4.6 × 10-6/K is lower than that of Ti6Al4V(ELI) of 8.6 × 10-6/K, while the density of SiC of 3.21 g/cm3 is lower than that of Ti6Al4V(ELI) of 4.45 g/cm3. Therefore, from the theory of composites, SiC/Ti6Al4V(ELI) composites are expected to have lower densities and CTEs than those of Ti6Al4V(ELI), thus providing for lightweighting and less thermal related buckling or separation at their joints with carbon/epoxy resin panels. The specific strength, stiffness, and Knoop hardness of SiC of 75-490 kNm/kg, 132 MNm/kg, and 600-3800 GPa, respectively, are generally larger than those of Ti6Al4V(ELI) of 211 KNm/kg, 24 MNm/kg, and 880 GPa, respectively. Therefore, investigating reinforcement of Ti6Al4V(ELI) with SiC particles is worthwhile as it will lead to the formation of composites that are stronger, stiffer, harder, and lighter, with lower values of CTE. For additive manufacturing, this requires initial studies to optimise the process parameters of laser power and scanning speed for single tracks. To print single tracks in the present work, different laser powers ranging from 100 W to 350 W and scanning speeds ranging from 0.3 m/s to 2.7 m/s were used for different SiC volume fraction values of values. To print single layers, different values of hatch distance were used together with the best values of laser power and scanning speed determined elsewhere by the authors for different volume fractions of SiC. Through optical microscopy, the built tracks and their cross sections were examined. By using laser power and scanning speeds of 200 W and 1.2 m/s, and 150 W and 0.8 m/s, respectively, the best tracks at 5% and 10% volume fractions were obtained, whereas the best tracks at 25% volume fraction were achieved using a laser power of 200 W and a scanning speed of 0.5 m/s. Furthermore, the results showed that the maximum SiC volume percentage of 30% resulted in limited or no penetration. Therefore, it is concluded from the study that parts with improved mechanical properties can be produced at SiC volume fractions ranging from 5% to 25%, while parts produced at the high volume fraction of 30% would have unacceptable mechanical qualities for the final part.

Synthesis of New Ruthenium Complexes and Their Exploratory Study as Polymer Hybrid Composites in Organic Electronics.

Polymeric hybrid films, for their application in organic electronics, were produced from new ruthenium indanones in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by the drop-casting procedure. Initially, the synthesis and structural characterization of the ruthenium complexes were performed, and subsequently, their properties as a potential semiconductor material were explored. Hence hybrid films in ruthenium complexes were deposited using PMMA as a polymeric matrix. The hybrid films were characterized by infrared spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. The obtained results confirmed that the presence of the ruthenium complexes enhanced the mechanical properties in addition to increasing the transmittance, favoring the determination of their optical parameters. Both hybrid films exhibited a maximum stress around 10.5 MPa and a Knoop hardness between 2.1 and 18.4. Regarding the optical parameters, the maximum transparency was obtained at wavelengths greater than 590 nm, the optical band gap was in the range of 1.73-2.24 eV, while the Tauc band gap was in the range of 1.68-2.17 eV, and the Urbach energy was between 0.29 and 0.50 eV. Consequently, the above comments are indicative of an adequate semiconductor behavior; hence, the target polymeric hybrid films must be welcomed as convenient candidates as active layers or transparent electrodes in organic electronics.

Shelf life effects on the bond strength and microhardness of self-adhesive resin cements.

Among the main advantages of self-adhesive resin cements comprise good aesthetics, strong restoration-tooth bond and biocompatibility. However, some disadvantages, such as high viscosity level, color limitation and short shelf life should be mentioned. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess bond strength between fiberglass post and root dentin in teeth subjected to self-adhesive resin cements with expired shelf life and hardness. Sixty (60) single-rooted human teeth were sectioned and divided into 2 groups of different cements: U200 3M and MaxCem Elite Kerr. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups, based on self-adhesive resin cements' shelf life, namely: Within the use-time recommended by the manufacturer or no expiration date; 6 months after opening the aluminum blister; 12 months after opening the aluminum blister. Bond strength was measured through push-out test conducted in universal testing machine; fracture pattern was analyzed, and microhardness was investigated through Knoop test, based on hardness readings. Data were subjected to Shapiro-Wilk normality test; nonparametric test was applied to hardness data, whereas parametric test was applied to bond strength data. Hardness data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis test, whereas bond strength data were subjected to analysis of variance, which was followed by Tukey test; both tests were conducted at 5% significance level (α = 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in knoop hardness values recorded for the material / time / root thirds combination (p=0.483). There was no statistically significant difference in bond strength values recorded for the Material / Time / Thirds combination (p=0.237). It was possible concluding that shelf life did not influence material's hardness and bond strength. Key words:Dental cements, Resin Cements, Shelf Life of Products.

Analysis of a Flexible Photoconductor, Manufactured with Organic Semiconductor Films.

This work presents the evaluation of the electrical behavior of a flexible photoconductor with a planar heterojunction architecture made up of organic semiconductor films deposited by high vacuum evaporation. The heterojunction was characterized in its morphology and mechanical properties by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The electrical characterization was carried out through the approximations of ohmic and SCLC (Space-Charge Limited Current) behaviors using experimental J-V (current density-voltage) curves at different voltages and under different light conditions. The optimization of the photoconductor was carried out through annealing and accelerated lighting processes. With these treatments, the Knoop Hardness of the flexible photoconductor has reached a value of 8 with a tensile strength of 5.7 MPa. The ohmic and SCLC approximations demonstrate that the unannealed device has an ohmic behavior, whereas the annealed device has an SCLC behavior, and after the optimization process, an ohmic behavior and a maximum current density of 0.34 mA/mm2 were obtained under blue light. The approximations of the device's electron mobility (μn) and free carrier density (n0) were performed under different light conditions, and the electrical activation energy and electrical gap were obtained for the flexible organic device, resulting in appropriate properties for these applications.

Comparative Evaluation of Flexural Strength and Microhardness of Two Different Ceramic Reinforced 3-D Printed Resins with Cad-cam Milled and Conventional Tooth Coloured Heat Cured Polymethylmethacrylate Resins as Long-term Provisional Restorative Materials” – An in Vitro Study

Background: Long-term provisional restorations play a crucial role in complex clinical scenarios, Implant-supported prostheses, full-mouth rehabilitation cases &amp; Maxillofacial Prosthodontics. Understanding the mechan-ical properties such as flexural strength and microhardness of newer commercially available provision-al restorative materials is necessary to select an optimum material for long-term provisional fixed den-tal prosthesis. This Research study was conducted to evaluate and compare the Flexural Strength and Microhardness of Two Different Ceramic-reinforced 3-D Printed Resins with CAD-CAM Milled and Conventional Tooth Coloured Heat Cured Polymethylmethacrylate Resins as Long-Term Provisional Restorative Materials. Methods: Twenty-one specimens of dimensions 25 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm (ADA-ANSI specification #27) were fabricated each using: Group A (Control group)-Conventional tooth colored heat cured polymethyl-methacrylate resin (DPI Heat cure tooth moulding powder), Group B-CAD-CAM milled resin, Group C- Ceramic reinforced polymer 3-D printed resin (Temporary CB resin) and Group D- Ceramic rein-forced polymer 3-D printed resin (Permanent CB resin). Flexural strength and microhardness were measured and the values obtained were evaluated. Results: The measured mean flexural strength values (Mega Pascals) were 39.41 (Group A), 153 (Group B), 124.91 (Group C), and 136.50 (Group D). The measured mean microhardness values (Knoop hardness number) were 37.9 (Group A), 40.5 (Group B), 34.67 (Group C), and 43.88 (Group D). The difference in flexural strength and microhardness values of the three groups was statistically significant according to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) as well as the intergroup comparison done using Tukey’s honest significant difference (HSD) Post Hoc test (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Flexural strength with higher values in Group B were noted and the Microhardness test showed higher values in Group D.

Effect of Radiant Exposure on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of 10 Flowable and High-viscosity Bulk-fill Resin Composites.

To evaluate the effect of the different radiant exposures from a multipeak light curing unit on the physical and mechanical properties of flowable and high-viscosity bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBC). Five flowable bulk-fill RBCs (Tetric N-Flow Bulk-fill, Ivoclar Vivadent; Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, 3M Oral Care; Opus Bulk Fill Flow APS, FGM; Admira Fusion x-base, Voco and; and SDR Plus Bulk Fill Flowable, Dentsply Sirona) and five high-viscosity bulk-fill RBCs (Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-fill, Ivoclar Vivadent; Filtek One Bulk Fill, 3M Oral Care; Opus Bulk Fill APS, FGM; Admira Fusion x-tra, Voco; and SonicFill 2, Kerr) were photo-cured using a VALO Cordless light (Ultradent) for 10, 20, and 40 seconds at an irradiance of 1200, 800, or 400 mW/cm2, resulting in the delivery of 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 48 J/cm2. Post-gel shrinkage (Shr) was calculated using strain-gauge test. The degree of conversion (DC, %) was calculated using FTIR. Knoop hardness (KH, N/mm2) and elastic modulus (E, MPa) were measured at the top and bottom surfaces. Logarithmic regressions between the radiant exposures and mechanical properties were calculated. Radiodensity was calculated using digital radiographs. Data of Shr and radiodensity were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the DC, KH, and E data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA using split-plot repeated measurement tests followed by the Tukey test (a = 0.05). Delivering higher radiant exposures produced higher Shr values (p<0.001) and higher DC values (R2=0.808-0.922; R2=0.648-0.914, p<0.001), KH (R2=0.707-0.952; R2=0.738-0.919; p<0.001), and E (R2=0.501-0.925; R2=0.823-0.919; p<0.001) values for the flowable and high-viscosity RBCs respectively. Lower KH, E and Shr were observed for the flowable bulk-fill RBCs. All bulk-fill RBCs had a radiopacity level greater than the 4-mm thick aluminum step wedge. The radiant exposure did not affect the radiopacity. The Shr, DC, KH, and E values were highly correlated to the radiant exposure delivered to the RBCs. The combination of the higher irradiance for longer exposure time that resulted in radiant exposure between 24 J/cm2 to 48 J/cm2 produced better results than delivering 400 mW/cm2 for 40 s (16 J/cm2), and 800 mW/cm2 for 20 seconds (16 J/cm2) or 1200 mW/cm2 for 10 seconds (12 J/cm2). All the bulk-fill RBCs were sufficiently radiopaque compared to 4 mm of aluminum.

Mechanical and Optical Characterization of Single-shade Resin Composites Used in Posterior Teeth.

This study aimed to evaluate the optical and mechanical performance of two single-shade resin-based composites (RBCs) compared to those of a conventional RBC for restoring posterior teeth. Two single-shade RBCs, Omnichroma (Tukoyama) and Vittra Unique APS (FGM), and a conventional RBC, Filtek Z350XT shade A2 (3M Oral Care), were evaluated in this study. The optical shade-matching performance was measured using a spectrophotometer. The light emitted by VALO Grand (Ultradent) and transmitted through the 2.0-mm RBC specimens was evaluated using beam profiling. Knoop hardness (KH, N/mm2), degree of conversion (DC, %) at the top and bottom, flexural strength (FS, MPa), elastic modulus (E, GPa), postgel shrinkage (Shr, %), and shrinkage stress (MPa) were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the filler. Data for FS, E, and Shr were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and KH and DC by repeated one-way ANOVA measurement followed by Tukey test (α=0.05). The modified von Mises stress values, light transmission, and SEM images were analyzed qualitatively. All single-shade RBCs exhibited higher chromatic adaptation than the Filtek Z350XT (p<0.001). Omnichroma exhibited less color difference than Vittra Unique APS, irrespective of the shade. The light transmitted through Omnichroma and Vittra Unique APS increased during polymerization. KH and DC values were significantly reduced from the top to the bottom of the specimens for all RBCs (p<0.001); however, the ratio values were always higher than 80%. In general, all RBCs demonstrated similar mechanical properties. All RBCs exhibited a similar FS (p=0.083) and Shr value (p=0.144). Filtek Z350XT exhibited significantly higher E (p<0.001) than both single-shade RBCs. All RBCs exhibited similar shrinkage stress during restoration and similar residual stress during occlusal loading. Single-shade Omnichroma and Vittra Unique APS increased light transmission during light-activation, demonstrating better chromatic adaptation than conventional Filtek Z350XT. In general, Omnichroma and Vittra Unique APS exhibited similar mechanical properties and shrinkage stress distributions as Filtek Z350XT during light-activation and occlusal loading.

Effect of Food-Simulating Liquids on the Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Provisional Restoration Materials.

To evaluate the effect of food-simulating liquids (FSLs) on the mechanical properties of provisional restoration materials fabricated by 3D printing, milling, and traditional fabricating methods. The bar specimens were fabricated with traditional, milling, and 3D-printing methods according to ISO 10477 specifications. Each group of specimens was randomly subdivided into four groups to be immersed in various FSLs: distilled water (control group), n-heptane, 50% ethyl alcohol, and 0.02 mol/L citric acid for 7 days at room temperature (n = 19 per group). The Knoop hardness (KHN) was evaluated, and the specimens were subjected to a three-point bending (3PB) test to evaluate flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (FM). One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to analyze the data. Fabrication methods had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the materials being tested. FSLs had no effect on the FS and FM of materials being tested. The 50% ethyl alcohol solution significantly decreased the hardness of traditional group specimens, and the n-heptane and 50% ethyl alcohol solutions increased the hardness of the 3D-printed specimens significantly (P ≤ .05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that while traditional and milling group specimens showed a ductile fracture type, 3D-printed specimens showed a brittle fracture type. Production methods affected the mechanical properties of provisional restoration materials. Immersion in 50% ethyl alcohol solution decreased the KHN of the traditional specimens. FSLs had no negative effect on the mechanical properties of the milled and 3D-printed specimens.