Effect of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate: Triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate ratio on functional properties of Bis-GMA hybrid composites

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate:triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TFEMA: TEGDMA) ratio on various functional properties of Bis-GMA/TFEMA:TEGDMA/UDMA composites. The experimental composites were loaded with 70% (weight% of total monomer) fillers consisting of silanised fumed silica, zirconia, and strontium fluoride. The light-cured composites were analysed for degree of conversion by FTIR-ATR technique, volumetric shrinkage in according to the Archimedes' principle, and fluoride ion release and recharge capacity by ion selective electrode. Water sorption, water solubility, and flexural strength were determined in accordance with ISO 4049 standard. Results showed that the degree of conversion, fluoride release and recharge capacity, water sorption, water solubility increased, and polymerization shrinkage decreased, with increasing TFEMA:TEGDMA ratio. Besides, twofold increase in flexural strength was observed for composite with the highest TFEMA content.