Cyclopolymerizable Monomers for Use as Acrylic Biomaterials

Published

June 1, 1998

Author(s)

John A. Tesk, J W. Stansbury, Alan S. Litsky

Abstract

Despite their many advantageous characteristics and extensive use, mixtures of methyl methacrylate monomers (MMA) and poly methyl methacrylate powders have some certain shortcomings for their use as synthetic biomaterials eg. In denture base resins, temporary dental restorations, and orthopaedic bone cement (OBC). These shortcomings, which arise from the MMA, include: 1)a relatively incomplete degree of conversion (DC) of double bonds for autocatalyzed mixtures that results in a higher content of residual monomer and lower strength than can be achieved with a higher DC; 2) polymerization shrinkage of about 7% of the original volume of mixtures used for heat cured dentures and bone cement (resulting in poorer fits); 3) an exothermic reaction that releases sufficient heat from the mix to damage tissues in contact with it; 4)a high vapor pressure and a small monomer unit that result in rapid diffusion into tissues, causing either a temporary drop in blood pressure (BP) during orthopaedic implant surgery or damage to a tooth's pulp during an in-situ cure of a temporary dental prosthesis. In addition to the aforementioned shortcomings, which relate to clinical performance, the high vapor pressure and flammability of the MMA results in the need for special precautions for shipping and for ventilation in the dental laboratory to limit exposure to the monomer, which also has an unpleasant odor. It would be of benefit if these undesirable properties of the acrylic biomaterials described could be ameliorated without sacrificing needed performance.Because virtually all of the aforementioned undesirable effects may be traced to the use of methyl methacrylatemonomer, it seems reasonable to explore new monomer systems, for use with the same polymer powders, provided that acceptable handling and curing aspects can be maintained relative to the existing materials.

Conference Dates

April 22-26, 1998

Conference Title

Society for Biomaterials Meeting

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

biomaterials, bone cement, cyclopolymerizable monomers, denture base material, synthetic biomaterials

Citation

Tesk, J. , Stansbury, J. and Litsky, A. (1998), Cyclopolymerizable Monomers for Use as Acrylic Biomaterials, Society for Biomaterials Meeting (Accessed July 27, 2024)