Objective: Determination of flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture t
oughness, Vickers hardness, and wear resistance of condensable composites (
Solitaire, Surefil, Alert) and an ormocer (Definite) in comparison with a h
ybrid composite (Tetric Ceram) and an ion-releasing composite (Ariston pHc)
. Methods: Flexural strength, flexural modulus, and fracture toughness were
determined in 3-point bending. Single-edge notched-bend specimens were use
d to evaluate fracture toughness. Microhardness was measured with a Vickers
indenter. Wear was determined in a pin-an-block-design with a Degusit anta
gonist at 50 N load and quantified by a replica technique after 6000, 10000
, 30000, and 50000 load cycles using a 3D-laser scanner. All results were s
tatistically analyzed with ANOVA and post hoc Tukey HSD tests. Results: Ale
rt exhibited the highest flexural modulus, K-IC, and hardness, but lowest w
ear resistance. Solitaire presented the highest wear resistance, but signif
icantly lower flexural strength, flexural modulus, K-IC, and hardness than
all other materials. No significant correlation could be detected between h
ardness and wear of the tested composites with Pearson's correlation coeffi
cient. Significance: The condensable composites differed significantly in t
heir mechanical properties. This study suggested that, besides the filler c
ontent level and filler size, other factors like matrix-filler interactions
highly influence the fracture and wear behavior of the materials. (C) 2000
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.