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Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / Resin composite is one of the most commonly used materials in restorative dentistry. However, it has undergone continuous developments like changes in the fillers and initiators. One such improvement is the new bulk-fill composites which are materials intended for bulk placement up to 4mm. However, an optimum polymerization to the full depth of the restoration i.e. complete depth of cure is of utmost importance in order to obtain proper mechanical and physical properties of resin composites. Aim: The aim of this study was to measure the surface hardness of the top and bottom surfaces of the composites and to determine the depth of cure of bulk-fill composites using two different types of light curing units. Material and methods: A total of 160 specimens were used in this study: four bulk-fill composite were used of which two were conventional viscosity bulk-fill composites namely, Tetric N Ceram (Ivoclar Vivadent) and SureFil bulk-fill composite (Densply Caulk) and two were low viscosity flowable bulk-fill composites namely, SDR flowable (Densply Caulk) and Filtek bulk-fill flowable restorative (3M ESPE). Two different curing light were used namely, LED (Elipar Freelight, 3M ESPE) at 1500mW/cm2 and a Quartz Tungsten Halogen (QTH) curing unit (Megalux CS, Megadenta, Germany) at 600 mW/cm2. To evaluate micro-hardness, Vickers hardness at top and bottom of each sample was measured immediately after light curing and after 24 hours post curing using a Zwick micro-hardness machine load 300g/15 seconds. The mean hardness values obtained from the top and the bottom surface of each material were used to compare the micro-hardness of the various materials. The mean values obtained from the bottom surface were compared to the respective values of the top surface of each material (bottom/top ratio) and used to calculate the depth of cure. Results: The micro-hardness test showed a significant difference between the four materials (ANOVA, p<0.05) immediately after curing and after 24 hours post curing. The material with the greatest micro-hardness was SureFil followed by Tetric N Ceram, Filtek bulk-fill flowable and SDR flowable respectively. The material with the greatest depth of cure was Filtek bulk-fill flowable followed by SDR flowable, Tetric N Ceram and SureFil. When the curing lights were compared the Light Emitting Diode Curing Unit (LED) obtained significantly better depth of cure compared to Quartz Tungsten Halogen Light Curing Units. The LED curing light showed greater micro-hardness values than the QTH curing light except for Tetric N Ceram where the QTH curing showed more hardness values than the LED curing light. For all materials, the surface hardness and depth of cure values increased when tested 24hrs after light curing. Conclusion: There was a difference in the micro-hardness values between the four materials where the conventional viscosity materials showed greater surface hardness values than the low viscosity materials but the depth of cure compared to the bulk-fill flowable LED curing lights showed higher hardness values than QTH curing light except for Tetric N Ceram. Depth of cure ratios were found to be lower than 0.80 for all composite types, however the flowable bulk-fill materials showed higher depth of cure than the conventional viscosity bulk-fills. In general LED curing light produced better hardness and depth of cure values than QTH curing light. The low micro-hardness values for the bulk-fill flowable composites and the inadequate polymerization raises a concern regarding placing these materials in bulk. In such cases, the flowable bulk-fills should be protected with a conventional composite "covering or capping" especially in posterior teeth and in deeper cavities. Furthermore, bulk-fill composites should be used in layering incremental technique to ensure sufficient depth of cure.

Introduction: Glass ionomers are available in sets of powder and liquid constituents, which are dispensed using a scoop and dropper bottle system prior to hand-mixing by an operator. Glass ionomers are also available in capsulated form, which is mixed in a suitable mechanical mixing machine prior to clinical use. Capsulation enables uniform proportioning of the powder and liquid. In this context, mixing time will be correct as an automated process is utilised, resulting in a cement mixture that is optimal and reproducible, with minimal air entrapment. Manufacturers promote the capsulated form as being time saving, and easy to dispense, with more accurate adaptation because of the use of an applicator to place the material. Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the performance of hand-mixed glass ionomer materials with their capsule-mixed equivalents in terms of compressive strength, surface hardness and porosity. Materials and Methods: Four groups of 10 cylindrical specimens were manufactured for each of the four specified hand-mixed posterior glass ionomers for each test that was performed: Riva Self Cure (RSCH) (SDI Limited); GC Fuji IX GP (FIXH) (GC Corp); Ketac Universal (KUH) (3M ESPE) and Ketac Molar Easymix (KMH) (3M ESPE). Similarly, four groups of 10 cylindrical specimens were manufactured for each of the four equivalent capsule-mixed posterior glass ionomers for each test that was performed: Riva Self Cure (RSCC) (SDI Limited); GC Fuji IX GP (FIXC) (GC Corp); Ketac Universal Aplicap (KUC) (3M ESPE) and Ketac Molar Aplicap (KMC) (3M ESPE). The compressive fracture strength of each specimen was determined after 24 hours using a universal testing apparatus. A compressive load of 1 mm/min was applied to the 6 mm long axis of each specimen. The load to fracture was recorded and the compressive fracture strength was calculated. Within one hour after compressive strength testing, a selection of fragments from each specimen was examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Fragments were vacuum gold-sputter-coated prior to SEM examination. The fragments were observed at an operating voltage of 10kV, and over a range of magnifications to investigate crack propagation. The surface hardness of each specimen was measured with a digital micro-hardness tester with Vickers diamond indenter. The indenter was set at a load of 500mN at five predetermined regions of each specimen, with a dwell-time of five seconds. The five readings for each specimen were computed and the mean VHN in N/mm2 for each specimen was determined. Each specimen was observed and analysed for porosity using Micro-CT. Three-dimensional reconstructions were made of each specimen and the number of voids per volume (mm3) of specimen, the total volume of voids (mm3) per volume of specimen and the volume percentage of voids per volume of specimen were calculated. Results: RSCH and RSCC showed statistically significant differences when compressive strength (p=0.027), volume of voids (p=0.005) and volume percentage of voids (p=0.005) were compared. No statistically significant differences were found between RSCH and RSCC when surface hardness (p=0.124) and number of voids (p=0.221) were compared. When compressive strength (p=0.254) and number of voids (p=0.210) of FIXH and FIXC were compared, no statistically significant differences were found. Statistically significant differences were found when surface hardness (p=0.031), volume of voids (p<0.001) and volume percentage of voids (p<0.001) of FIXH and FIXH were compared. No statistically significant difference was found when compressive strength (p=0.090) of KUH and KUC were compared. Statistically significant differences were found when surface hardness (p<0.001), number of voids (p<0.001), volume of voids (p=0.004) and volume percentage of voids (p=0.004) of KUH and KUC were compared. Statistically significant differences were found between KMH and KMC when compressive strength (p<0.001), surface hardness (p=0.006), number of voids (p=0.001), volume of voids (p=0.010) and volume percentage of voids (p=0.010) were compared. Conclusion: The current study suggests that RSCC is more advantageous for clinical use compared to RSCH. The results as to whether the capsule-mix or the hand-mix product are superior for the examined properties for GC Fuji IX GP are inconclusive. KUC surpassed KUH in tests performed and is therefore recommended for clinical use. KMC out-performed KMH in all tests conducted, and is therefore advocated for use in clinical practice. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Community Dentistry / MSc / Unrestricted

No description available.

El número de rebote es el valor resultante del ensayo de dureza superficial, que consiste en determinar el nivel de compacidad de las partículas del concreto. Esta característica lleva relación directa con el desarrollo de la resistencia a compresión, denominada f’c; ya que mientras más compactas se encuentren las partículas del concreto, mayor será la resistencia mecánica y mayor el valor del número de rebote. La relación de estos ensayos ha sido materia de estudio desde hace muchos años y se ha determinado valores altos de correlación, aunque sin cuantificar la influencia de parámetros adicionales que no resultan ajenos al ensayo de esclerometría. En la presente investigación se analizan los principales factores que afectan al valor de dureza superficial e influyen en la determinación de la resistencia mecánica del concreto. Los factores estudiados son la relación agua – cemento, condición de humedad, edad del concreto y tamaño máximo de agregado. Estos factores son analizados en muestras de concreto normalizadas (probetas diseñadas según norma de calidad vigente) y los resultados obtenidos procesados estadísticamente bajo la metodología de Red Neuronal Artificial (RNA), con el que se podrá predecir resultados de resistencia a compresión una vez determinados los factores antes mencionados. Los resultados demuestran que puede predecirse el resultado de resistencia a la compresión con margen de error aceptable y que considerar los factores de influencia en la predicción genera mayor exactitud en los resultados y reducción en el índice de correlación de Pearson estudiado entre los ensayos de dureza superficial y resistencia a compresión. / The rebound number index is a result value of surface hardness´s test. This method is based on obtain concrete particular’s level. This characteristic has a direct relationship with the development of compressive strength, called f’c. So, if concrete particulars are more compact, it will increase mechanic strength and rebound number index´s value. The relationships between these tests have been studied over the years and it has been estimated high values of correlation, although without quantifying the influence of additional parameters that are not indifferent to the sclerometer test. In this research are analyzed the principal factors which affect surface hardness´s value and influent in the determination of mechanic strength of concrete. The factors studied are the water-cement ratio, humidity condition, age of concrete and maximum size of aggregate. These factors are analyzed in standardized concrete samples and the results obtained were processed statistically by artificial neuronal network’s methodology (RNA), this tool will predict results of compressive strength when other factors, which were explained, have been determinate. The results of this research show that the result of resistance to compression can be predicted with acceptable margin of error and that considering the influence factors in the prediction generates better accuracy in the results and reduction in the Pearson correlation index studied between the test of surface hardness and compressive strength. / Tesis

O desgaste superficial constitui uma das manifestações patológicas mais recorrentes em pisos de concreto. A presença de tal manifestação patológica, proveniente do processo abrasivo, é muito preocupante, uma vez que implica em altos custos para reparar ou substituir este concreto danificado. Portanto, a realização de estudos que buscam avaliar a influência do proporcionamento e tipo de alguns materiais que constituem o traço de concreto, comumente empregado em pisos, é considerada extremamente relevante, no intuito de reduzir a tendência de desgaste dos compósitos. Neste particular, foram avaliados alguns fatores, como o consumo de água (175 l/m³; 190 l/m³; 205 l/m³), o teor de substituição de sílica ativa (0%; 5%; 10%), o teor de adição de microfibras de polipropileno (0 g/m³; 600 g/m³) e o tipo de cimento (CP IV; CP V-ARI). Os ensaios adotados para esta avaliação foram o de resistência à compressão uniaxial, resistência à tração na flexão, dureza superficial por esclerometria, exsudação e resistência à abrasão. Os resultados encontrados mostraram uma influência estatística significativa do tipo de cimento em todas as propriedades avaliadas, sendo que o cimento CP V-ARI apresentou melhor desempenho em comparação ao cimento CP IV, considerando uma mesma relação a/agl (0,53). O fator consumo de água, mantendo-se constante a relação a/agl, mostrou influência significativa na resistência à tração na flexão e na resistência à abrasão dos concretos, e, além disso, foi possível verificar um comportamento semelhante para ambas as propriedades com relação a este parâmetro de controle. Quanto ao teor de substituição de sílica ativa, observa-se que este fator promoveu efeito significativo nas propriedades mecânicas, o que era esperado, na dureza superficial e na exsudação; entretanto, não se verificou influência no desgaste por abrasão dos compósitos cimentícios. Já a adição das microfibras de polipropileno diminuiu significativamente a dureza superficial por esclerometria, sem alterar as demais propriedades analisadas. Os resultados verificados para o desgaste mostraram uma importante relação com as propriedades mecânicas dos concretos. O processo de acabamento como forma de tratamento superficial parece ser efetivo no controle do desgaste por abrasão, uma vez que pode ter minimizado o efeito da exsudação na superfície dos compósitos cimentícios. O consumo de água de 190 l/m³ mostrou ser o teor mais adequado para os materiais e concretos empregados nesta pesquisa. / Surface wear is one of the most frequent pathologies in concrete floors. The presence of such pathological manifestation from the abrasive process is very disturbing, since it implies high costs to repair or replace the damaged concrete. Therefore, studies that seek to evaluate the influence of the proportioning and type of some materials that constitute the mixture proportions of concrete, commonly used on floors, are considered extremely relevant, in order to reduce the tendency of surface wear of composites. In this study, factors such as water consumption (175 l/m³, 190 l/m³, 205 l/m³), replacement content of silica fume (0 %, 5 %, 10 %), addition content of polypropylene fibers (0 g/m³, 600 g/m³) and cement type (CP IV; CP V-ARI) were evaluated. The tests used for this assessment were compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, surface hardness by rebound hammer, bleeding and abrasion resistance. The results showed a significant statistic influence of the cement type on all the properties evaluated, with the cement CP V-ARI presenting a better performance compared to cement CP IV, considering the same w/b ratio (0.53). The water consumption factor, maintaining a constant w/b ratio, showed significant influence on the flexural tensile strength and abrasion resistance of concrete, and, in addition, we could observe a similar behavior for both properties with respect to this parameter of control. Regarding the replacement content of silica fume, it is observed that this factor promoted significant effect on the mechanical properties, which was expected, on the surface hardness and bleeding; however, there was no influence on the abrasion of the cementitious composites. The addition of polypropylene microfibers significantly decrease the surface hardness by rebound hammer, without altering any other property evaluated. The results verified for the wear showed an important relationship with the mechanical properties of concrete. The finishing process as a form of surface treatment seems to be effective in controlling the abrasive wear, since it may have minimized the effect of bleeding on the surface of cementitious composites. The water consumption of 190 l/m³ showed to be the most appropriate content for the materials and concrete used in this research.

O desgaste superficial constitui uma das manifestações patológicas mais recorrentes em pisos de concreto. A presença de tal manifestação patológica, proveniente do processo abrasivo, é muito preocupante, uma vez que implica em altos custos para reparar ou substituir este concreto danificado. Portanto, a realização de estudos que buscam avaliar a influência do proporcionamento e tipo de alguns materiais que constituem o traço de concreto, comumente empregado em pisos, é considerada extremamente relevante, no intuito de reduzir a tendência de desgaste dos compósitos. Neste particular, foram avaliados alguns fatores, como o consumo de água (175 l/m³; 190 l/m³; 205 l/m³), o teor de substituição de sílica ativa (0%; 5%; 10%), o teor de adição de microfibras de polipropileno (0 g/m³; 600 g/m³) e o tipo de cimento (CP IV; CP V-ARI). Os ensaios adotados para esta avaliação foram o de resistência à compressão uniaxial, resistência à tração na flexão, dureza superficial por esclerometria, exsudação e resistência à abrasão. Os resultados encontrados mostraram uma influência estatística significativa do tipo de cimento em todas as propriedades avaliadas, sendo que o cimento CP V-ARI apresentou melhor desempenho em comparação ao cimento CP IV, considerando uma mesma relação a/agl (0,53). O fator consumo de água, mantendo-se constante a relação a/agl, mostrou influência significativa na resistência à tração na flexão e na resistência à abrasão dos concretos, e, além disso, foi possível verificar um comportamento semelhante para ambas as propriedades com relação a este parâmetro de controle. Quanto ao teor de substituição de sílica ativa, observa-se que este fator promoveu efeito significativo nas propriedades mecânicas, o que era esperado, na dureza superficial e na exsudação; entretanto, não se verificou influência no desgaste por abrasão dos compósitos cimentícios. Já a adição das microfibras de polipropileno diminuiu significativamente a dureza superficial por esclerometria, sem alterar as demais propriedades analisadas. Os resultados verificados para o desgaste mostraram uma importante relação com as propriedades mecânicas dos concretos. O processo de acabamento como forma de tratamento superficial parece ser efetivo no controle do desgaste por abrasão, uma vez que pode ter minimizado o efeito da exsudação na superfície dos compósitos cimentícios. O consumo de água de 190 l/m³ mostrou ser o teor mais adequado para os materiais e concretos empregados nesta pesquisa. / Surface wear is one of the most frequent pathologies in concrete floors. The presence of such pathological manifestation from the abrasive process is very disturbing, since it implies high costs to repair or replace the damaged concrete. Therefore, studies that seek to evaluate the influence of the proportioning and type of some materials that constitute the mixture proportions of concrete, commonly used on floors, are considered extremely relevant, in order to reduce the tendency of surface wear of composites. In this study, factors such as water consumption (175 l/m³, 190 l/m³, 205 l/m³), replacement content of silica fume (0 %, 5 %, 10 %), addition content of polypropylene fibers (0 g/m³, 600 g/m³) and cement type (CP IV; CP V-ARI) were evaluated. The tests used for this assessment were compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, surface hardness by rebound hammer, bleeding and abrasion resistance. The results showed a significant statistic influence of the cement type on all the properties evaluated, with the cement CP V-ARI presenting a better performance compared to cement CP IV, considering the same w/b ratio (0.53). The water consumption factor, maintaining a constant w/b ratio, showed significant influence on the flexural tensile strength and abrasion resistance of concrete, and, in addition, we could observe a similar behavior for both properties with respect to this parameter of control. Regarding the replacement content of silica fume, it is observed that this factor promoted significant effect on the mechanical properties, which was expected, on the surface hardness and bleeding; however, there was no influence on the abrasion of the cementitious composites. The addition of polypropylene microfibers significantly decrease the surface hardness by rebound hammer, without altering any other property evaluated. The results verified for the wear showed an important relationship with the mechanical properties of concrete. The finishing process as a form of surface treatment seems to be effective in controlling the abrasive wear, since it may have minimized the effect of bleeding on the surface of cementitious composites. The water consumption of 190 l/m³ showed to be the most appropriate content for the materials and concrete used in this research.

O desgaste superficial constitui uma das manifestações patológicas mais recorrentes em pisos de concreto. A presença de tal manifestação patológica, proveniente do processo abrasivo, é muito preocupante, uma vez que implica em altos custos para reparar ou substituir este concreto danificado. Portanto, a realização de estudos que buscam avaliar a influência do proporcionamento e tipo de alguns materiais que constituem o traço de concreto, comumente empregado em pisos, é considerada extremamente relevante, no intuito de reduzir a tendência de desgaste dos compósitos. Neste particular, foram avaliados alguns fatores, como o consumo de água (175 l/m³; 190 l/m³; 205 l/m³), o teor de substituição de sílica ativa (0%; 5%; 10%), o teor de adição de microfibras de polipropileno (0 g/m³; 600 g/m³) e o tipo de cimento (CP IV; CP V-ARI). Os ensaios adotados para esta avaliação foram o de resistência à compressão uniaxial, resistência à tração na flexão, dureza superficial por esclerometria, exsudação e resistência à abrasão. Os resultados encontrados mostraram uma influência estatística significativa do tipo de cimento em todas as propriedades avaliadas, sendo que o cimento CP V-ARI apresentou melhor desempenho em comparação ao cimento CP IV, considerando uma mesma relação a/agl (0,53). O fator consumo de água, mantendo-se constante a relação a/agl, mostrou influência significativa na resistência à tração na flexão e na resistência à abrasão dos concretos, e, além disso, foi possível verificar um comportamento semelhante para ambas as propriedades com relação a este parâmetro de controle. Quanto ao teor de substituição de sílica ativa, observa-se que este fator promoveu efeito significativo nas propriedades mecânicas, o que era esperado, na dureza superficial e na exsudação; entretanto, não se verificou influência no desgaste por abrasão dos compósitos cimentícios. Já a adição das microfibras de polipropileno diminuiu significativamente a dureza superficial por esclerometria, sem alterar as demais propriedades analisadas. Os resultados verificados para o desgaste mostraram uma importante relação com as propriedades mecânicas dos concretos. O processo de acabamento como forma de tratamento superficial parece ser efetivo no controle do desgaste por abrasão, uma vez que pode ter minimizado o efeito da exsudação na superfície dos compósitos cimentícios. O consumo de água de 190 l/m³ mostrou ser o teor mais adequado para os materiais e concretos empregados nesta pesquisa. / Surface wear is one of the most frequent pathologies in concrete floors. The presence of such pathological manifestation from the abrasive process is very disturbing, since it implies high costs to repair or replace the damaged concrete. Therefore, studies that seek to evaluate the influence of the proportioning and type of some materials that constitute the mixture proportions of concrete, commonly used on floors, are considered extremely relevant, in order to reduce the tendency of surface wear of composites. In this study, factors such as water consumption (175 l/m³, 190 l/m³, 205 l/m³), replacement content of silica fume (0 %, 5 %, 10 %), addition content of polypropylene fibers (0 g/m³, 600 g/m³) and cement type (CP IV; CP V-ARI) were evaluated. The tests used for this assessment were compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, surface hardness by rebound hammer, bleeding and abrasion resistance. The results showed a significant statistic influence of the cement type on all the properties evaluated, with the cement CP V-ARI presenting a better performance compared to cement CP IV, considering the same w/b ratio (0.53). The water consumption factor, maintaining a constant w/b ratio, showed significant influence on the flexural tensile strength and abrasion resistance of concrete, and, in addition, we could observe a similar behavior for both properties with respect to this parameter of control. Regarding the replacement content of silica fume, it is observed that this factor promoted significant effect on the mechanical properties, which was expected, on the surface hardness and bleeding; however, there was no influence on the abrasion of the cementitious composites. The addition of polypropylene microfibers significantly decrease the surface hardness by rebound hammer, without altering any other property evaluated. The results verified for the wear showed an important relationship with the mechanical properties of concrete. The finishing process as a form of surface treatment seems to be effective in controlling the abrasive wear, since it may have minimized the effect of bleeding on the surface of cementitious composites. The water consumption of 190 l/m³ showed to be the most appropriate content for the materials and concrete used in this research.

This study aimed to extend the knowledge on player and surface loading by contributing new data in relation to a greater range of movements, relevant in-game scenarios and on carefully controlled third generation artificial turf surfaces. This was done by selecting soccer relevant movements and in-game scenarios for a player movement study with the help of a player focus group and questionnaire. Furthermore, four surfaces were created with surface hardness and rotational traction values at the upper and lower limits of the standards set by FIFA. The study showed that both the surface hardness and rotational traction properties can affect the human movement dynamics, though these effects were mainly present during the stop and turn manoeuvre. During the stop and turn manoeuvre the soft and high traction surfaces conditions led to increased frontal plane moments as well as increased average ground reaction forces during mid-stance. In combination with decreased ground contact times it appeared that the players were able to decelerate / accelerate faster and generate a larger force on the soft and high traction surfaces. During peak push off it appeared that the players were able to generate a larger force on the hard surfaces, which also led to a significant increase in plantar flexion moment. While some parameters showed an effect for surface hardness and / or rotational traction across all four surface conditions, for others such as the knee valgus, hip extension and hip internal rotation moment showed only a significant effect between two of the four surfaces. At the same time the other surfaces showed either no effect or the opposite effect. This suggests that the effects of the surface hardness can be influenced by the rotational traction properties, and vice versa. Regarding the jumping / heading manoeuvre the effects of the surface conditions were limited. This may have been related to the high demands of the movement, or to limitations of the mechanical measurement methods. In addition to the effects of surface properties on human movement dynamics the study also showed that the mechanical measurement methods may not be representative of the human loading. The impact force conditions of the advanced artificial athlete were substantially different to that of the stop and turn and jumping / heading manoeuvre. Whereas for the rotational traction test the study showed that the rotation of the foot during the ST was substantially less than the minimum 45° required by the FIFA guidelines. Regarding the inclusion of in-game scenarios the study showed that both the simulated opponent used for the stop and turn manoeuvre, and heading a ball during a maximal vertical stop jump manoeuvre can affect the human movement dynamics. During the stop and turn with a simulated opponent the frontal plane moments in the lower limbs were significantly increased. However, this increase in joint loading could not be related to any changes in movement strategy. During the landing after heading a ball during a maximal vertical stop jump the players used a different landing strategy by landing in a more upright position and increasing the ankle plantar flexion ankle just before lading. This allowed for a larger change in the ankle plantar / dorsi flexion angle to absorb the impact of the landing. In addition to this, the heading manoeuvre also led to a significant increase in the frontal plane joint moments of the lower limbs. For future studies it is recommended that a combination of surface properties is used to gain insight into how these affect each other regarding the effects they have on human movement dynamics. In addition, they should provide detailed information on the surface design as well as the properties. Regarding the quantification of the properties it is recommended that in addition to industry standards the surfaces are also quantified using conditions closer to those expected within the study. It is also recommended that future studies incorporate in-game scenarios in order to gain more insight into the effects of interventions that simulate actual match situations.

Fabrication of SWCNT-PMMA and Activated Charcoal- PMMA composites was carried out by the compression moulding technique. Then Mechanical and Electrical properties of the composites were investigated. The morphological studies of composites showed a) good dispersion of fillers and b) good interaction between fillers and matrix. Electrical conductivity of SWCNT-PMMA composites was increased by 9 orders of magnitude (at 0.8 % volume fraction of SWCNT) and that of AC-PMMA composites increased by 16 orders of magnitude (at 17 % volume fraction of AC). The percolation threshold of both composites turned out to be lower compared to the theoretical values. A significant improvement in mechanical properties was obtained ??? particularly in AC-PMMA composites which showed a 400 % improvement in Vickers microhardness ??? raising the polymer matrix abrasion property literally to that of Aluminium alloys (Dobrazanski et al 2006). In conclusion, it is to be noted that Activated Charcoal - PMMA composites have a great potential for cost effective conducting polymer composite production by the use of cheap filler: In addition, the compression moulding technique shows good potential for cost effective fabricating technique for amorphous polymers with high electrical and mechanical properties.