Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of surface graft polymerization to quartz fibers on mechanical properties of quartz fiber reinforced resin composite posts. Methods Quartz fibers were manufactured and randomly divided into 5 groups for different surface treatments. Group A: 10% H2O2 immersion for 20 min; Group B: 10% H2O2 immersion for 20 min＋silanization of quartz fibers (γ-MPS); GroupC: 10% H2O2 immersion for 20 min＋γ-MPS＋grafting 1 h (Bis-GMA); Group D:10% H2O2 immersion for 20 min＋γ-MPS＋grafting 3 h(Bis-GMA); Group E: 10% H2O2 immersion for 20 min＋γ-MPS＋grafting 7 h (Bis-GMA). All groups of quartz fibers were filled into a resin matrix respectively, and they were light-cured in a special mold to prepare the FRC posts. The flexure modulus, flexure strength and fracture load of FRC specimens were measured by universal mechanical testing machine, and the fracture surface of FRC was observed by a field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results The mechanical properties of FPC posts were affected by graft polymerization on surface of the fibers. Group E showed the best mechanical properties, with flexure modulus (24.65±2.20) GPa, flexure strength (696.24±12.85) MPa, and flexure load (185.67±3.43) N, which showed significant differences compared with other groups (P< 0.05). Conclusion The graft polymerization of Bis-GMA on the surface of filler can improve the properties of FRC specimens.

Key words: surface graft polymerization, quartz fibers, mechanical property