Light-Curing of a Sol-Gel-Derived Silicate-Based Epoxy-Functional Polymer Nanocomposite Material System

In an effort to explore the potential of certain types of polymer nanocomposites to be successful candidates as dental restoration/adhesion materials, a Ti- or Zr-containing and organically modified silicate-based material system with epoxy functionality was prepared by use of a sol-gel synthesis method, and ultraviolet light-and visible light (VL)-curing processes. Comparative influences of certain synthesis/processing parameters on the properties of the system were detailed. It was shown that both Ti- and Zr-containing species could play significant roles in determining the structure and hence the properties of the nanocomposites. VL-curing was demonstrated to be a relatively advantageous process that could be employed in applications such as dental restoration/adhesion. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were shown to be promisingly high. Overall observations and results indicated a prospective opportunity for this material system to be utilized in dental restoration/adhesion applications. (C) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers