Remaining methacrylate groups in composite restorative materials.

The quantity of the remaining unreacted methacrylate groups in polymerized composite materials has been determined. Six proprietary composites were investigated by infrared multiple internal reflection spectroscopy. Infrared reflectance measurements were made before polymerization and repeated after the composites were subjected to polymerization at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. The quantities of remaining unreacted methacrylate groups were determined and the data expressed as percentages of the total amount of methacrylate groups in the unpolymerized materials. The specimens were specially prepared to ensure that the surface properties simulated the bulk properties of the polymerized composites. The quantities of remaining methacrylate groups in the six composites determined by this surface measuring technique ranged from 25 to 48%. The results demonstrate that commercially available composite materials exhibit different degrees of conversion 24 hours after the start of polymerization. These differences can be correlated to the different monomer compositions of the composite restorative resins.