Mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composite resin exposed to alcoholic beverage

Addition of fiber to dental bridgework was thought to be more efficient comparing to porcelain-fused to metalwork. In other side, some patients consumed alcoholic beverage in their daily life. This study aimed to determine mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) exposed to alcoholic beverage. The materials used were dental resin (i-FLOW i-dental, Lithuania), polyethylene fiber (Vactrise, USA), and 4 alcoholic beverages. FRC samples (40) were divided into 10 groups (n=4, control:aquades). Each Sample was soaked in beverage for 5 s followed by 5 s in aquades for each cycle (10 cycles daily for 4 wk). Mechanical properties were examined for hardness and flexural strength. The result showed the mean values for hardness (KHN) were: 98.70 +/- 6.03 (aquades), 99.01 +/- 4.92 (Beer), 87.65 +/- 7.83 (Vermouth), 80.23 +/- 5.22 (Rum), 78.20 +/- 3.70 (Tequila); while for flexural strength (MPa) were: 336.00 +/- 25.05 (aquades), 308.25 +/- 10.39 (Beer), 215.07 +/- 34.86 (Vermouth), 194.89 +/- 27.69 (Rum), 175.48 +/- 33.58 (Tequila). The ANOVA revealed significant differences in hardness and flexural strength (p<0.05). The LSD showed no significant difference in hardness and flexural strength of FRC soaked in aquades and Beer, while for other groups and aquades the differences were significant. In conclusion, FRCs soaked in different concentration of alcoholic beverages affected the decrease of hardness and flexural strength properties.