Raw Data Transparency: Photopolymerization Effects on Composite Resins
Description
The raw data presented in the attached files refer to the analyses conducted to evaluate the degree of conversion, flexural strength, elastic modulus, sorption, and solubility of three composite resins: Applic, Opallis, and Zirconfill. These resins were photopolymerized using three different devices: Bluephase, Valo, and Demi Plus. The data contained in these files represent the original measurements obtained during the experiments and were used to calculate the values presented in the study results. From this information, the necessary statistical analyses were performed to compare the performance of different composite resins under various photopolymerization conditions. It is important to highlight that the raw data provided have not undergone any filtering or additional processing beyond what was necessary for statistical analyses. Therefore, these values directly reflect the experimental conditions and may be useful for future reanalyses, validations, or comparative studies in the field of dental materials. The disclosure of these data reinforces the commitment to scientific transparency, allowing other researchers to access the primary information used to construct the conclusions of this study. This study aims to evaluate the impact of different photopolymerization devices (Bluephase, Valo, and Demi Plus) on the physico-mechanical properties of three composite resins (Applic, Opallis, and Zirconfill). The central hypothesis is that the choice of photopolymerization device directly influences the degree of conversion, flexural strength, elastic modulus, sorption, and solubility of the resins, thereby affecting their durability and clinical performance. Data Collection The data were obtained from laboratory experiments in which each composite resin was photopolymerized using the three mentioned devices. Measurements were then conducted to determine the following parameters: Degree of Conversion (GC%) – Measures the efficiency of monomer-to-polymer conversion during photopolymerization. Flexural Strength (MPa) – Evaluates the material’s ability to withstand applied forces before fracturing. Elastic Modulus (GPa) – Indicates the stiffness of the composite resin. Sorption and Solubility (µg/mm³) – Measures the material's ability to absorb liquids and dissolve in the oral environment.. The presented data can be interpreted by considering the influence of the photopolymerization devices on the physicomechanical properties of the composite resins. The interpretation is based on comparing the values obtained for each resin when subjected to the three devices (Bluephase, Valo, and Demi Plus), identifying patterns and trends.
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Steps to reproduce
The degree of conversion of the composite resins was determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) with an infrared spectrophotometer. The analysis was conducted as follows: Thin films of the resins were placed between glass slides and photopolymerized using the Bluephase, Valo, and Demi Plus devices, following the manufacturer’s recommended protocol. Spectroscopy was performed before and after photopolymerization to evaluate the reduction of the C=C absorption band (~1638 cm⁻¹) relative to the reference C=O band (~1720 cm⁻¹), which remains unchanged. The degree of conversion (%) was calculated using the following equation: DC%= (1- R unpolymerized/R polymerized) x100 where R represents the ratio between the intensities of the analyzed bands. Flexural Strength Test – Three-Point Bending Test The flexural strength of the composite resins was evaluated according to ISO 4049, using a three-point bending mechanical test. The procedure was conducted as follows: Specimens with dimensions (25 × 2 × 2 mm³) were prepared using Teflon molds and photopolymerized with the Bluephase, Valo, and Demi Plus devices. The samples were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours before testing. The test was performed using a universal testing machine, applying a 1 mm/min load until the sample fractured. The flexural strength (σ) was calculated using the equation: 𝜎=3𝐹𝐿/2𝑏ℎ² where: F is the maximum applied load (N), L is the support span (20 mm), b is the specimen width (mm), h is the specimen height (mm). The elastic modulus (E) was determined from the three-point bending test using the equation: 𝐸=𝐹𝐿³/4𝑏ℎ³𝑑 where d represents the deflection observed under the applied load. Higher values indicate increased stiffness of the composite resin. Sorption and Solubility – Degradation Test in a Humid Environment Sorption and solubility of the composite resins were determined according to ISO 4049, using cylindrical samples (15 mm diameter × 1 mm thickness). The protocol followed these steps: The samples were dried in a desiccator at 37°C for 24 hours, and their initial dry mass (m₀) was recorded. The specimens were then immersed in distilled water at 37°C for 7 days. After immersion, the samples were removed, gently dried with absorbent paper, and weighed to obtain the post-immersion mass (m₁). The specimens were then dried again in a desiccator until a constant weight was reached, and the final mass (m₂) was recorded. Sorption (S) and solubility (SL) were calculated using the following equations: 𝑆=𝑚1−𝑚2/𝑉 SL=m0-m2/v where V is the sample volume (mm³).