3D finite element analysis of the damage effects on the dental composite subject to water sorption

The damage effects of water sorption on the mechanical properties of the hydroxyapatite particle reinforced Bis-GMA/TEGDMA copolymer (HA/Bis-GMA/TEGDMA) have been predicted using 3D finite cell models. The plasticizer effect on the polymer matrix was considered as a variation of its Young's modulus. Three different cell models were used to determine the influence of varying particle contents, interphase strength and moisture concentration on the debonding damage. The stress distribution pattern has been examined and the stress transfer mode clarified. The Young's modulus and fracture strength of the Bis-GMA/TEGDMA composite were also predicted using the model with and without consideration of the damage. The former results with consideration of the debonding damage are in good agreement with existing literature experimental data. The shielding effect of our proposed model and an alternative approach were discussed. The FCC cell model has also been extended to predict the critical load for the damaged and the undamaged composite subject to the 3-point flexural test.