A new approach to network heterogeneity: Polymerization induced phase separation in photo-initiated, free-radical methacrylic systems

摘要

Radiation curable formulations based on dimethacrylates are used for dental applications, because cure occurs at ambient temperature and the glassy, densely crosslinked networks formed can withstand the oral environment and have good biocompatibility. However, these systems do suffer shrinkage and the internal stresses resulting from the polymerisation process (which in dental composites can lead to internal defects and poor bonding, causing staining and secondary caries formation).