INFLUENCE OF LIGHT-CURING TREATMENT ON THE MECHANICAL AND TRIBOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF HYBRID DENTAL RESTORATIVES

Curing modes and polymerization processes have a significant impact on determining the mechanical and tribological performance of dental restorative composites. This study investigates a hybrid dental composite derived from a Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin matrix (50/50 wt. %) reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) nanofibers and nanoparticles at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt. %. Specimens were polymerized using a blue LED light source under three curing modes: strong, flashing, and gradually strong modes. Mechanical and tribological performance was evaluated through Shore hardness, compression testing, and pin-on-disc wear testing, while Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine surface morphology, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was applied to assess the thermal behavior and degree of curing. The results demonstrated that increasing SiC content significantly enhanced composite hardness, wear resistance, and reduced the friction coefficient. The highest hardness values were recorded for the 0.3% SiC composite cured under flashing mode. Curing mode exerted a pronounced influence on material performance, with strong mode curing producing the highest compressive strength. SEM observations and DSC analysis supported the mechanical and tribological findings, indicating improved dispersion, interfacial bonding, and curing efficiency. Overall, the results highlight the combined effect of curing strategy and SiC reinforcement in optimizing the performance of hybrid dental restorative composites.