3D-printed strong hybrid materials with low shrinkage for dental restoration. (8th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Menglu; Geng, Yanan; Fan, Suna; Yao, Xiang; Zhu, Meifang; Zhang, Yaopeng
• Is Part Of: Composites science and technology. Volume 213(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09-08
• Subjects: 3D printing -- Hybrid resin -- Low shrinkage -- Mechanical properties -- Finite element methods; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Fibrous composites; Periodicals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.108902
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-3538

Abstract

Abstract: Flowable photocurable resins can be printed effectively by stereolithographic 3D printing for dental applications; however, the 3D-printed objects' mechanical properties cannot meet the requirements for the dental restorative materials. In this study, a strong customized crown for tooth repair was first prepared via direct ink writing 3D printing from a high-viscosity hybrid paste of acrylic monomer and multi-scale inorganic particles. The results showed that the hybrid resin-based composites (RBCs) could be printed successfully and smoothly through a metal nozzle with a gradually shrinking channel. The theoretical simulation of finite element methods was consistent with the experiment results. The printed objects were preliminarily cured incrementally and exhibited a low shrinkage ratio of only 2.58 ± 0.11%. The printed samples with criss-crossed layers by interrupting crack propagation exhibited superior mechanical properties (a flexural strength of 120.8 ± 4.1 MPa and a compressive strength of 323.6 ± 5.6 MPa) than their traditional molding counterparts. Since the deposited layers exhibited improved resistance to bending forces, the flexural strength of the sample with a print orientation in adjacent layers (45–135°) even reached 145.5 ± 8.7 MPa. The RBCs were successfully used to print strong, high-performance and biocompatibility dental crowns, expected to provide a customized component for the clinical restoration of teeth. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Hybrid resin-based composites were printed smoothly by direct ink writing. Printed objects exhibited outstanding mechanical properties and low shrinkage. Biocompatible dental crowns were printed for dental restoration.