Thermal Expansion of Composite Resins and Sealants

Abstract

Linear thermal coefficients of expansion (α) of seven commercial composite resins and four pit and fissure sealants were determined between 0 and 60°C on a thermomechanical analyzer. The thermal expansion curves obtained were nonlinear. Values of α ranged from 26.5 to 39.6 × 10-6 °/C for the composite and from 70.9 to 93.7 x 10-6/°C for the sealants.