Mechanical characterization and ion release of bioactive dental composites containing calcium phosphate particles.

•The organic content of functionalized DCPD particles increased composite degree of conversion and volumetric shrinkage.•The composite containing DCPD particles functionalized with DEGDMA presented strength similar to the control after 60 days.•Composite fracture toughness increased with the replacement of part of the silanized glass by DCPD particles (0.75 glass : 0.25 DCPD).•Composites containing 15 vol% DCPD showed calcium release levels above 1 ppm after 60 days.•DCPD functionalization reduced calcium release only after the first two weeks.