Effect of additional polishing methods on the physical surface properties of different nanocomposites: SEM and AFM study.

This evaluated the arrangement of filler particles in depth of nanocomposites, and surface roughness, wettability, microtopography, and micromorphology following additional polishing step. Forty samples of each composite tested [Filtek Z350XT (FZ), IPS Empress Direct (IP)] were fabricated and finished/polished/additionally polished using one of the following methods (n = 10/group): no finishing/polishing (NFP), Sof-Lex Pop-On + no additional polishing (SP), Sof-Lex Pop-On + Astropol rubber polisher (SP+A), and Sof-Lex Pop-On + felt disc with polishing paste (SP+FP). Surface roughness (Ra) and contact angles were measured using a profilometer and goniometer, respectively.