Surface Energy and Wettability of Dental Polymers

Objectives: The aim of this research was to evaluate the surface energy and wettability of

some composite resins, after polymerization by two different photocuring units (halogen

lamp and LED). Methods: The resins Filtek Z350 (3M ESPE), Admira (VOCO) and

Grandio (VOCO) were selected to prepare the 36 test specimes in an standard matrix of two

milimeters thickness and one centimeter diameter. All resins were photocured by 20sec on

each side by the different light curing units. Contact angles were measured by using water

and glycerol as test liquids through goniometry (Ramé-hart F100). Surface energy values

were calculated by software (DRO Pimage standard) that uses the harmonic mean method

applied to the acid-base theory. The statistical analysis used was ANOVA, Tukey,

Wilcoxon, Mann Whitney and Spearman correlation tests. Results: There were no

significant statistically differences between the values of surface energy of the tested

composite resins photocured by the two distinct photocuring units. Conclusions: A

correlation between the values of surface energy and the light intensity produced by the

photocuring units and also, the contact angles measured were statistically different in most

combinations regarding type of composite resin, type of photocuring unit and the test liquid

used.