Objective. To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of two light-cured composites with different protocols of light curing. Materials and methods. One hundred and ninety two specimens (n = 8) were prepared (5 mm  2 mm) according to experimental groups: two composite resins (Filtek Supreme and four seasons); three light curing protocols [20 s with the tip of the light curing unit (LCU) device touching composite surface (C); 20 s with the tip of the LCU at 8 mm distant from composite surface (D); and tip of the LCU at 8 mm distant from composite surface and polymerization time required to obtain a radiant exposure of 16 J/cm 2 (DS)]. Four LCUs (Bluephase 16i, Ultralume LED 5, XL 3000 and Optilux 501C) were used. DC of the bottom and top surface of specimens were measured using a FTIR spectrometer. Data were statistically analyzed by 3-way split splot ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). Results. The results showed that DC of the top surface was higher than the bottom at all experimental conditions (p < 0.0001). Overall, the curing at 8 mm of distance did not affect conversion rate on the top surface (p > 0.05), but bottom surfaces showed DC reduction (p < 0.05). The highest monomer conversion values were observed for C and DS situations. Conclusion. The distance between the LCU and material surface and radiant exposure can affect the DC. Polymerization at distance should be performed with curing units with higher light power and/or extended exposure time.

Structure–property relationship of amphiphilic molecules on smooth substrates was explored through a multi-step approach and its influence on biological activity.

A high-irradiance light-curing unit allows for a reduced irradiation exposure time with a short delay time, aimed at tooth restorations using a dual-cured resin cement.

CO2 mitigation by cycloaddition to bis-epoxides to obtain bis-cyclocarbonates (CC) paved one way to a new class of polyurethanes (PUs), the non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). By using molecules functionalized with alkoxysilyl groups as end chain it is possible to obtain hybrid NIPUs, also called urethanesils, by Sol-Gel chemistry. Using bis-cyclocarbonate polydimethylsiloxane (CCPDMS) with proper diamines and end-chain amino silanes followed by sol-gel processing leads to versatile hybrid non-isocyanate polydimethylsiloxane urethanes (PDMS-urethanesil). This review reports-besides our recent studies about PDMS-urethanesil materials-the sol-gel chemistry applied to synthesize urethanesil and its applications. While the antimicrobial, photochromic, and anticorrosion properties of urethanesil loaded with phosphotungstic acid as well as the luminescent effect of material loaded with Eu 3+ have already been reported, antimicrobial features of urethanesil loaded with phosphoric acid are our newest findings which we herein report for the first time. The impact of the inorganic acid used on the sol-gel process is highlighted together with the importance of antibiofouling properties. Although the antibiofouling mechanism is still under investigation, the broad spectrum of action of phosphoric acid loaded urethanesil is worth mentioning, since it has been tested to be efficient against some pathogenic bacteria including a drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain as well as pathogenic fungi and yeast. Due to the simple, straightforward, and highly reproducible synthesis as well as the opportunity to obtain versatile materials with tuneable mechanical and physical properties, this new class of hybrid materials promises to be applicable in different industrial fields.