The effects of cross-linking agents on some properties of HEMA-based resins

The use of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-based polymer as a biocompatible material has been well-established. HEMA-based resins containing cross-linking agents have several potential clinical applications. It is hypothesized that the incorporation of cross-linking agent will improve the mechanical properties of HEMA-based polymers while reducing water absorption and solubility. The purpose of the work reported here was to test this hypothesis and to determine the most effective cross-linking agent. A relationship among flexural strength, modulus, water absorption and solubility, and concentration of cross-linking agent was demonstrated. Strength and modulus tend to increase as the cross-linking agent concentration is increased, up to about 50%, after which the values level out or begin to fall. Water absorption drops with increasing cross-linking agent over the whole range of concentrations. Solubility tends to show a small decrease initially (up to 40%), followed by a noticeable increase as cross-linking agent concentration is increased. The trends were similar for all cross-linking agents, although there were differences in the absolute values in all properties depending upon the type of cross-linking agent used.