Characterization of Mouthguard Materials: A Comparison of a Commercial Material to a Novel Thiolene Family

摘要

The goal of this study is to compare the thermal and mechanical properties of a commercial mouthguard material with a novel class of thermoset polymers based on thiolene "click" chemistry. Ternary thiolene systems modified with urethane or acrylate urethane-modified thiolene network (UMTEN) and acrylate-modified thiolene network (AMTEN), respectively were synthesized and their properties compared with commercially available Polyshok~(TM). Durometer hardness (ASTM D2240-05), water absorption ASTM D570-98 (2005), tear strength (ASTM D624-00), and impact attenuation ASTM D6110-06f (modified) were measured for physical property comparison. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis were used as a means to compare thermal properties. One-way analysis of variance and independent t tests were used to test for differences between Polyshok~(TM), AMTEN and UMTEN samples. It was found that the novel thiolene networks exhibit higher impact attenuation at intraoral temperature compared with Polyshok~(TM), although Polyshok~(TM) demonstrates lower water absorption and hardness, as well as higher tear strength. With further modification, this family of thiolene materials may provide a platform for developing next-generation mouthguard materials.