Water sorption of dental resin composites: Is a new method the future?
Heckel L, Belli R, Schüssler T, Fischer C, Lohbauer U (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
DOI: 10.1111/eos.70090
Abstract
Intraoral, diffusion-controlled water sorption leads to dimensional expansion and mechanical degradation over time. Measurement of small quantities of water in dental resin composites (RCs) is challenging, as current techniques rely on weighing approaches. Here, we evaluate Karl-Fischer Titration (KFT) and thermogravimetry (TG) as alternatives to ISO 4049 standard. Four indirect RCs, one polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN), and one direct composite were soaked in water over 270 days, heated, and evaporated water was detected by KFT and TG. Dilatometric (DIL) and TG coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR) measurements were conducted to verify the methodology and to compare with ISO 4049 outcome. Initial water content was measured between 0.19 and 1.65 wt.%, which increased to 0.73–3.12 wt.% upon water sorption over 270 days. The direct RC performed well, indirect RCs showed significant differences, and the PICN performed comparable to indirect RCs. KFT correlated well with ISO, except for one RC. KFT proved slightly more sensitive than TG. DIL offered different linear expansion of high-versus-low-absorbing materials and confirmed the water sorption rate seen by KFT. In contrast to ISO, KFT has the potential to detect initial water content allowing for a precise and kinetic quantification of the water diffusion process.
Authors with CRIS profile
Lea Heckel
Medizinische Fakultät
Renan Belli
Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology
Tabea Schüssler
Medizinische Fakultät
Ulrich Lohbauer
Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Heckel, L., Belli, R., Schüssler, T., Fischer, C., & Lohbauer, U. (2026). Water sorption of dental resin composites: Is a new method the future? European Journal of Oral Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1111/eos.70090
MLA:
Heckel, Lea, et al. "Water sorption of dental resin composites: Is a new method the future?" European Journal of Oral Sciences (2026).
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