Principal component analysis and cluster analysis for the characterizationof dental composites

Various experimental dental materials were characterized using chemometric methods. The main aim of the study was to ascertain which composite materia ls present the best properties for use in restorative dentistry. Bisphenol- alpha -glycidyl methacrylate-based composites containing hydroxyapatite as a filler and a coupling agent were prepared using a photocuring polymerizat ion procedure. Several chemical and mechanical properties of experimental c omposites were measured and the corresponding data were further studied usi ng principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Results from the char acterization allowed the most appropriate materials to be selected. Various composites presented acceptable general properties suggesting their suitab ility as substitutes for commercial materials in dentistry.