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Spreading of oligomers on polymers
J M Powers1, D H Pratten, S M Collard
1School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore 21203.
Summary
The study measured how well four dental composite oligomers spread on polymer surfaces. Ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate showed the best spreading, crucial for effective dental restoration repair.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Successful composite restoration repair relies on the ability of repair composites to effectively spread.
- Understanding the interfacial properties between repair materials and existing restorations is critical for clinical success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the spreading behavior of four distinct oligomers on their corresponding polymer substrates.
- To investigate the relationship between oligomer properties and their ability to wet and spread on dental polymers.
Main Methods:
- Prepared polymer strips by light-curing four oligomers: ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EB), BisGMA/3EDMA (ED), BisGMA-Nupol (NU), and urethane dimethacrylate (UD).
- Measured spreading by analyzing contact angle, surface tension, and viscosity of the oligomers on polymer surfaces.
- Calculated spreading values using established physical models.
Main Results:
- Spreading values on polymer ED were: EB (2.8 cm/s), ED (1.4 cm/s), UD (0.24 cm/s), and NU (0.0009 cm/s).
- Oligomers EB, ED, and UD exhibited slightly better spreading on polymer ED compared to polymer UD.
- Significant variations in spreading were observed among the tested oligomers.
Conclusions:
- Oligomer structure and properties significantly influence spreading behavior on polymer substrates.
- Ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate demonstrates superior spreading, suggesting potential for improved dental composite repair.
- These findings provide a basis for designing dental composites with enhanced interfacial compatibility for better restoration longevity.