Low shrinkage bulk-filled dental resin composites with non-estrogenic dimethacrylate

This study synthesized and characterized different proportions of nonestrogenic di(meth)acrylate 9,9-bis[4-((2-(2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl-carbamate)ethoxy)phenyl] fluorine (Bis-EFMA)-based resin composite systems to study their physical, chemical, optical and biological characteristics, and adhesive properties after bonding to a tooth. The estrogenic activity of raw materials was evaluated and compared with estrogen and commercial bisphenol A. After photopolymerization, all resin composite systems were prepared, and their properties were systematically investigated. Notably, the nonestrogenic di(meth)acrylate Bis-EFMA exhibited a more suitable refractive index, excellent biocompatibility, low marginal microleakage and improved bonding strength. Except for the pure UDMA and Bis-EFMA groups, the depth of cure and Vickers microhardness ratios of all the other groups met the requirements of bulk filling (one-time curing depth of more than 4 mm). Bis-EFMA resin systems exhibited lower volumetric polymerization shrinkage (about 3-5%), higher curing depth (>6 mm in specific proportions), mechanical properties (flexural strength of 120-130 MPa, etc.), and microtensile bonding strength (>27.8 MPa), which were comparable or superior to Bis-GMA or commercial composites. Herein, we believe that the novel nonestrogenic di(meth)acrylate (Bis-EFMA) has a wide application prospect as an alternative to Bis-GMA.