ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of monomer and filler compositions on the rheological properties related to the handling characteristics of resin composites. METHODS: Resin matrices that Bis-GMA as base monomer was blended with TEGDMA as diluent at various ratio were mixed with the Barium glass (0.7 um and 1.0 um), 0.04 um fumed silica and 0.5 um round silica. All used fillers were silane treated. In order to vary the viscosity of experimental composites, the type and content of incorporated fillers were changed. Using a rheometer, a steady shear test and a dynamic oscillatory shear test were used to evaluate the viscosity (eta) of resin matrix, and the storage shear modulus (G'), the loss shear modulus (G"), the loss tangent (tandelta) and the complex viscosity (eta*) of the composites as a function of frequency omega = 0.1-100 rad/s. To investigate the effect of temperature on the viscosity of composites, a temperature sweep test was also undertaken. RESULTS: Resin matrices were Newtonian fluid regardless of diluent concentration and all experimental composites exhibited pseudoplastic behavior with increasing shear rate. The viscosity of composites was exponentially increased with increasing filler volume%. In the same filler volume, the smaller the fillers were used, the higher the viscosities were. The effect of filler size on the viscosity was increased with increasing filler content. Increasing filler content reduced tandelta by increasing the G' further than the G". The viscosity of composites was decreased exponentially with increasing temperature.