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