Microfracture mechanisms of composite resins containing prepolymerized particle fillers.

The effect of prepolymerized particle fillers on fracture toughness of four commercial composite resins was studied. The ground surface morphology was examined with a field emission scanning electron microscope. Fracture toughness was determined by using single edge notched specimens. Acoustic Emission (AE), which is the elastic wave due to the release of energy from the localized sources of material, was detected by sensors of a high-sensitivity and low-noise resonance type during the fracture toughness test. Acoustic Emission signals detected were analyzed for parameters such as amplitude and energy. Fracture surfaces were examined with a scanning electron microscope. The fracture toughness values, AE releasing patterns during fracture toughness test, and the fracture surface findings were analyzed to understand the fracture behavior of composite resins containing prepolymerized particle fillers. A microfracture model and fracture mechanisms to increase the fracture toughness of this type of composite resins are proposed.