Heterocyclic methacrylates for clinical applications. I. Mechanical properties.

The mechanical properties of a number of heterocyclic and one cyclic methacrylate have been studied for their potential in low polymerization shrinkage systems. This study included both homopolymers and room temperature polymerizing systems using poly(ethyl methacrylate) powder with a heterocyclic methacrylate monomer. The one cyclic methacrylate studied, isobornyl methacrylate, gave an extremely brittle polymer; furthermore, it would not form a dough with poly(ethyl methacrylate). The homopolymers gave Young's moduli in the range 1.38-2.19 GN/m2, i.e. lower than poly(methyl methacrylate). The moduli of poly(ethyl methacrylate)/monomer systems are theoretically predictable from the moduli of the homopolymers involved. The above materials were generally ductile and the mechanical properties indicated a useful class of materials for clinical use.