Water sorption of polymethacrylate networks: bis-GMA/TEGDM copolymers.

Polymethacrylate networks were made by copolymerization of a range of compositions of bis-GMA and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDM). Polymerization was initiated both by heating with benzoyl peroxide or by photopolymerization (lambda greater than 400 nm) using camphoroquinone as sensitizer. The uptake of water increased from 3 to 6% as the proportion of TEGDM increased from 0 to 1.0. Intermediate compositions took up less water than would be predicted from the law of mixtures. Volumetric changes were determined and clinical significance discussed. A copolymer prepared by photopolymerization took up more water as the temperature was increased from 24-60 degrees C. In this range, values of the diffusion coefficient (D) conformed to the Arrhenius equation, D = Do exp (-E/RT), giving E = 42-46 kJ/mol and Do = 0.13 cm2 s-1.