In vitro wear characteristics of a nano-hydroxyapatite filled dental resin composite under two-body wear condition

Unveiling the mechanisms behind surface degradation of dental resin composites in simulated oral environments

“…Although human saliva can neutralise acid in the oral environment depending on saliva quantity and its buffering capacity, the dental composites could be vulnerable to damage from bacteria and acidic substances which can accelerate the hydrolysis process. 17,18 Furthermore, it has been reported that low pH of acidic solutions can enhance the rate of chain scission in breaking down the polymer-filler interface and induce the hydrolysis of ethylene groups within the polymers leading to hydrolytic degradation. 19 Moreover, this process also releases carboxylic acid and alcohol molecules that contribute to this degradation as observed for high pH media where the excess hydroxyl ions accelerate the hydrolytic degradation.…”