Effect of sintering and infiltration conditions on nanoscale dual network SiO₂/polymethyl metacrylate composites...

The aim of this study was to achieve facile sintering conditions and rapid penetration of organic substances into the structure of sintered silica network on the nano-scale in order to prepare polymer infiltrated ceramic network mimicking human enamel.

Stepwise temperature programming (stepwise isothermal firing) was used to create a cohesive ceramic network containing interconnected pores, which is essential to provide polymer/ceramic dual networks. Liquid phase self-penetration, ultrasonic irradiation assisted liquid phase penetration and vapor phase penetration routes were used to infiltrate methyl methacrylate monomers and benzoyl peroxide reagent into the porous silica blocks.

The use of stepwise isothermal firing route, in comparison with high temperature sintering methods, significantly reduces the time and temperature required for the preliminary preparation of the SiO₂ samples and reaching the appropriate interconnected porous structure. The most appropriate method for monomer and oxidant reagents infiltration is to use liquid phase infiltration assisted by ultrasound irradiation of pre-sintered nano-silica blocks. It was found that the amount of infiltrated monomer and oxidizing agent, degree of conversion of the monomer to the polymer and surface hardness of the samples strongly depend on the infiltration route.

The use of inexpensive silica nanoparticles and low temperature sintering and the use of ultrasound waves to quickly and effectively penetrate methyl methacrylate monomers and increase the polymerization efficiency lead to the preparation of composites with a transparent appearance and mechanical properties similar to human tooth enamel.