Study of polymeric systems based on 2,2 bis-4(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyl-oxypropoxy) phenyl propane.

2,2 bis-4(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropoxy) phenyl propane is the basic monomer for a large number of proprietary dental composite filling materials. In this paper, studies have been made of its copolymers with various comonomers. 2,2 bis-4(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropoxy) phenyl propane--tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate copolymers, at about the 95/5% v/v level, showed an enhanced modulus over that of the test material itself, to give a Young's modulus of -4.8 GPa. This reflected an enhanced activation energy of the glass transition temperature, indicating a very specific free volume effect of the diluent monomer. Further studies 2,2 bis-4(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropoxy) phenyl propane-tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate room temperature polymerized copolymers showed that enhanced modulus could be achieved by including in the system small amounts of inhibitor; 0.3% v/v 2,6 di-tertiary butyl phenol elevated the Young's modulus of a benzoyl peroxide--NN-dihydroxy ethyl p-toluidine cured system from 3.1 to 3.6 GPa. Such resins may be useful in improved dental fissure sealants and composite filling materials.