Curable acrylate polymer compositions featuring improved flexural characteristics

Abstract

The invention describes acrylic and methacrylic acid ester-based polymeric materials containing as flexibilizing and brittleness reducing agents 1-60% of C4-C8 polyalkylene or polyalkyldiene compounds, preferably having a molecular weight of 300-2100, and the use of such materials in dentistry and medicine.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to modified, acrylate polymer compositions featuring reduced brittleness, such polymers being particularly suitable as dental / medical cements and restorative materials and for manufacturing dental prosthetics. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Polymeric materials based on the esters of methacrylic acid have found widespread industrial and medical applications. Their role is particularly prominent in dentistry where they have become a base for modern restorative materials, cements, varnishes, cavity liners and sealers. In medicine perhaps the most important uses of acrylic resins include contact lenses and cements used for hip restorations. [0005] Many of these applications require the material to meet a combination of requirements with respect to their chemical, optical and mechanical properties and, frequently, biological compatibility. While acrylic resins, due to a variety of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Compositions according to preferred embodiments, in which olefinic polymers are used as additives to acrylic polymers, provide more flexible and impact-resistant acrylate polymers suitable for a variety of uses, particularly those related to medical and dental fields. Preferred compositions also effectively address the reducing or eliminating of the oxygen-inhibited layer and / or reducing the exothermic effect of the polymerization process.

[0010] Another advantage of polymers in accordance with preferred embodiments, particularly important in medical and dental applications, is their general lack of toxicity as well as a low incidence or absence of allergenic reaction and tissue irritation.

[0012] In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method of performing a dental procedure, comprising obtaining a curable composition comprising 10-90% by weight of one or more acrylic monomers and 1-60% by weight of an olefinic component comprising oligomers or polymers of one or more straight chain or branched C4-C6 monomers having one or two double bonds per monomer molecule; applying the composition to at least one surface of a tooth or dental appliance; and allowing the composition to cure.

Problems solved by technology

While acrylic resins, due to a variety of available monomers, usually make it possible to compound a blend which, upon cure, will result in a polymer meeting the requirements of tissue biocompatibility, wear resistance, translucency, mechanical strength or hardness, they frequently fail or are less than satisfactory in applications requiring flexibility.

Especially vulnerable are thin areas of such objects.

Acrylic resins have unique features making them difficult to replace with other types of monomers, especially in particular or very demanding applications.