Dynamic mechanical properties of multiphase acrylic systems

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Multiphase acrylic systems are vital in bioengineering applications.
• Dimethacrylate crosslinking agents are crucial for tailoring material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of dimethacrylate crosslinker type and concentration on acrylic system properties.
• To compare the effects of heat-polymerization versus autopolymerization on these materials.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized acrylic specimens with varying ratios of methyl methacrylate and dimethacrylate crosslinkers.
• Processed materials using heat-polymerization (100°C) and autopolymerization (45°C).
• Determined dynamic mechanical properties (storage modulus G', loss modulus G'', dissipation factor tan δ) using forced torsional vibration from -60°C to 140°C at multiple frequencies (0.1–100 rad/s).

Main Results:

• In autopolymerized systems, increasing crosslinker quantity elevated the glass transition temperature (Tg) and storage modulus (G').
• Heat-polymerized systems showed minimal changes in modulus and tan δ with varying crosslinker content.
• Glass transition temperatures were consistently higher in heat-polymerized materials compared to autopolymerized ones.

Conclusions:

• Crosslinking agent concentration significantly influences the mechanical properties of autopolymerized acrylics.
• Processing method (heat vs. auto-polymerization) plays a critical role in the final material characteristics.
• Heat-polymerization yields acrylic systems with higher glass transition temperatures, suggesting enhanced thermal stability.