Biophysics of Dental Polymers

A large molecule composed of multiple repeating subunits called monomers.

The basic building block of a polymer.

The process of joining monomers together to create a polymer chain.

A type of polymerization where monomers add to a growing chain without the loss of any atoms.

A polymer formed from only one type of monomer.

A polymer formed from two or more different types of monomers.

A type of polymerization initiated by light, often UV or visible light.

A type of addition polymerization that uses free radicals to initiate the chain reaction.

Dental materials (like composites) that contain nanoparticles. This makes them stronger and less likely to shrink during hardening.

Polymers that change their properties in response to things like temperature, pH, or pressure. They can be used to create restorations that react to changes in the body.

Unreacted molecules that remain in a polymerized material after it hardens. It can affect the durability and safety of the material.

These are used to decrease the amount of leftover monomer in a material. This can improve the material's properties and safety

The process of using special techniques or treatments after a material is hardened to further improve its properties. This helps reduce residual monomer.

Polymers used in dentistry to restore, protect, or replace oral tissues. They offer properties like biocompatibility, aesthetics, durability, and ease of application.

A type of polymer that softens when heated and solidifies when cooled, allowing for shaping and molding. This process is reversible.

A type of polymer that undergoes permanent hardening when heated, and doesn't soften again on reheating. They have superior abrasion resistance and dimensional stability.

The ability of a polymer to deform under stress and partially recover its original shape. This involves both elastic and plastic deformation.

The flow behavior of solid polymers involves a combination of elastic and plastic deformation, with some elastic recovery. This property is influenced by factors such as polymer chain length and crosslinking.

The ability of a polymer to stretch and return to its original shape when the stress is removed.

The ability of a polymer to deform and retain a new shape even after the stress is removed. This deformation is permanent.

The degree to which a polymer can deform under stress. This is a measure of the material's resistance to deformation.

A property of polymers that increases as chain length and molecular weight increase, making them more rigid, strong, and less likely to melt.

The process by which polymers absorb a solvent, swell and soften, but don't necessarily fully dissolve.

Cross-linking prevents complete chain separation, making it more difficult for polymers to dissolve.

Highly cross-linked polymers do not dissolve, as their chains are tightly interconnected.

The process of adding small molecules to a polymer to increase its flexibility and reduce its stiffness. This can make the polymer softer and more pliable.

A type of polymer used in dentures and orthodontic appliances, known for its strength and durability.

Dental composites are made of a resin matrix reinforced with inorganic fillers. They are used in fillings and bonding.

Elastomers are used as impression materials to capture the details of teeth and tissues. Examples include polysulfides, polyethers and silicones.

Involves the reaction between a monomer with a reactive functional group and another monomer or polymer chain, leading to the formation of a larger polymer chain and releasing a byproduct like water or HCl.

Involves the growth of a polymer chain by the addition of monomers to a reactive polymer free radical.

The first step in chain-reaction polymerization where an initiator molecule reacts with a monomer, forming a reactive species called a radical. This process generates a reactive site that can further propagate the chain reaction.

The main stage in chain-reaction polymerization where monomers are added one by one to the growing polymer radical, extending the polymer chain. This process continues until the chain is terminated or all available monomers are consumed.

The stage in chain-reaction polymerization where the growth of the polymer chain is halted, ending the chain reaction. This can happen through various mechanisms like combination, disproportionation, or by reaction with an initiator molecule.

A process where chain termination occurs when two growing polymer radicals combine to form a single polymer chain.

A process where chain termination occurs when two growing polymer radicals react by a hydrogen atom transfer, forming a saturated and unsaturated polymer chain.

A process where chain termination occurs when a growing polymer radical reacts with an initiator radical, forming a single polymer chain. This process also generates a new initiator molecule.