Influence of plasticizer on soft polymer gelation.

An evaluation has been made of the soft polymer gel systems of the type used as prosthodontic short-term denture-lining materials. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect upon gel strength and gelation time produced by variations in the composition of the plasticizer liquids. Poly(ethylmethacrylate) co-polymers were mixed with combinations of ethyl alcohol and the esters dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butylphthalyl butylglycolate (BPBG), and benzyl salicylate (BS). The relative rate of gelation of plasticizer polymer compositions was obtained by means of a reciprocating rheometer. The gelation rate was found to increase rapidly with an increase in the ethyl alcohol content. Significantly shorter gelation times were also found with liquids containing the lower-molecular-weight esters. A linear relationship was found between the ethyl alcohol content and the log of the gelation time. The higher-molecular-weight esters produced the strongest gel. A linear relationship was found between the gelation (log) times and the seven-day puncture strength. The ratio of polymer to plasticizer liquid was found to have a very significant influence upon the puncture strength and gelation time. Molecular weight or molecular volume of the ester plasticizers was found to have a greater influence on gel formation than the cohesive energy parameter. The strong polar bonding of ethyl alcohol was found to have a significant influence on both the rate of gel formation and the subsequent gel strength. The data indicate that controlled variations in the characteristics of plasticity and gel strength of dental soft polymer systems can be made to suit different clinical prosthodontic requirements.