Influence of resin matrix on the rheology, translucency, and curing potential of experimental flowable composites for bulk-fill applications

Objective To propose monomer formulations that show an optimal degree of conversion as a function of depth for bulk-fill applications. Methods Four resin blends were formulated with methacrylate-based monomers: BisGMA + TEGDMA (control); BisEMA + BisGMA + TEGDMA (BisEMA-based); UDMA + BisGMA + TEGDMA (UDMA-based) and BisEMA + UDMA + BisGMA + TEGDMA (BisEMA + UDMA-based). For each material, a photoinitiating system and silanized filler particles were added. The rheological analyses were performed with a rotational rheometer using the cone/plate geometry. CIELab coordinates were assessed over black and white backgrounds using a bench spectrophotometer (SP60, X-Rite) to calculate the translucency parameter (TP) for samples with 0.5, 4, and 6 mm thickness. The degree of CC conversion (DC) was determined by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR) at 0.05 mm (top), 4, and 6 mm depths (bottom), and the bottom-to-top ratio was considered. A broad spectrum-based LED was used for light activation. Analysis of variance and Tukey's test (95%) were performed on the results. Results The materials tested showed pseudoplastic and thixotropic behavior and a predominance of viscous effects over elastics. The control resin yielded the lowest viscosity for the entire shear rate investigated, followed by the BisEMA-based, BisEMA + UDMA-based, and UDMA-based group, which had the highest viscosity. The UDMA-based material showed the lowest TP as a function of thickness. Both the materials' formulations and depths significantly influenced the DC. The UDMA-based group promoted the highest DC ​​on the top (71 ± 1%) and 4 mm depth (68 ± 1%) but exhibited lower bottom-to-top DC ratio. The BisEMA + UDMA-based material promoted the highest bottom-to-top DC ratio at 4 mm (99%) and 6 mm (97%). Significance The resin matrix interferes in the rheological behavior, translucency parameter, and polymerization capacity as a function of depth. The material formulated with the addition of UDMA and BisEMA demonstrated the highest curing potential as a function of depth and can be useful for bulk-fill applications.