Effect of Short-Term Aging on the Flexural Strength of a Novel Experimental CAD/CAM Fiber-Reinforced Composite Material: A Pilot Study

Purpose: To investigate the three-point flexural strength of a novel CAD/CAM fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) material following different aging conditions. Materials and Methods: The specimens were randomly assigned to one of five groups based on aging condition: (1) control (no treatment); (2) short-term water storage; (3) thermal degradation with autoclaving; (4) chemical degradation with hydrochloric acid; and (5) chemical degradation with citric acid (n = 10 per group). The specimens in the control group received no treatment. Following each treatment protocol, the three-point bending test was used to calculate the flexural strength. Data were statistically analyzed (α = .05), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the specimens was conducted. Results: No significant differences in flexural strength were observed among the groups (P = .199). In addition, no distinct morphologic differences were detected in the SEM images of the specimens. Conclusion: The flexural strength of this novel CAD/CAM FRC material was unaffected by different aging methods.