RESUMEN
Fibre Bragg grating is used to determine resin-based composite shrinkage. Two composite resins (Freedom from SDI and Z100 from 3M) were tested to determine the polymerization contraction behaviour. Each sample of resin was prepared with an embedded fibre Bragg grating. A LED activation unit with wavelength from 430 nm to 470 nm (Dabi Atlante) was used for resin polymerization. The wavelength position of the peak in the optical reflection spectra of the sensor was measured. The wavelength shift was related to the shrinkage deformation of the samples. Temperature and strain evolution during the curing phase of the material was monitored. The shrinkage in the longitudinal direction was 0.15 +/- 0.02% for resin Z100 (3M) and 0.06+/-0.01% for Freedom (SDI); two-thirds of shrinkage occurred after the first 50 s of illumination.