Abstract
Objective: Verify the influence of radiant exposure (H) on composite degree of conversion (DC) and mechanical properties. Methods: Composite was photoactivated with 3, 6, 12, 24, or 48 J/cm^2^. Properties were measured after 48‐h dry storage at room temperature. DC was determined on the flat surfaces of 6 mm × 2 mm disk‐shaped specimens using FTIR. Flexural strength (FS) and modulus (FM) were accessed by three‐point bending. Knoop microhardness number (KHN) was measured on fragments of FS specimens. Data were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA/Tukey test, Student's t‐test, and regression analysis. Results: DC/top between 6 and 12 J/cm^2^ and between 24 and 48 J/cm^2^ were not statistically different. No differences between DC/top and bottom were detected. DC/bottom, FM, and KHN/top showed significant differences among all H levels. FS did not vary between 12 and 24 J/cm^2^ and between 24 and 48 J/cm^2^. KHN/bottom at 3 and 6 J/cm^2^ was similar. KHN between top and bottom was different up to 12 J/cm^2^. Regression analyses having H as independent variable showed a plateau region above 24 J/cm^2^. KHN increased exponentially (top) or linearly (bottom) with DC. FS and FM increased almost linearly with DC/bottom up to 55% conversion. Conclusions: DC and mechanical properties increased with radiant exposure. Variables leveled off at high H levels. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008