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SUMMARY The effect of the method of silanation of zirconia-silica hy 3-methacrylox ypropyItrimethoxysilane (MAPM) and 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (APM) on the diametral tensile and transverse strength of composites made from these silanated fillers and a urethane dimethacrylate was determined after 0-lOSh of hoiling in water. The water sorption of these composites was also measur-?d at times up to 108 h. Silanation with either silane significantly increased the tensile and transverse strengths and decreased water sorption relative to comparable unsilanated controls. Silanation with MAPM from ethaaol solution at three times the minimum uniform coverage gave the best overall results, and the tensile strength tests appeared to be most predictive of effectiveness of the silane treatments.

Effects of materials and techniques on the accuracy of models used to make indirect restorations was measured using a 4-unit posterior model containing a MOD and full crown preparation. Improved stone and fast setting epoxy dies backed with either improved stone or a thermoplastic hot melt stone were made from single-viscosity addition silicone impressions. Technique variations included heating or not heating the impression, cooling and pouring dies and placement of the hot melt stone on set or unset epoxy. The dimensions of the MOD (L, W, H) and of the crown (W, H) dies were measured at 1 and 24 h. No clinically significant changes occurred between 1 and 24 h. The stone control reproduced the dimensions of the master die best, and models made by pouring epoxy into the impression followed by immediate pouring of the hot melt stone gave the poorest reproduction. Other variations in technique using epoxy for the anatomical portion gave no practical differences in accuracy. Of the epoxy dies, those prepared from a previously heated impression with hot melt poured after the epoxy set had the best values; however, epoxy dies were smaller than stone dies. The fast set epoxy was noteworthy for rapid processing and sharp detail, however, negative changes for W and H of the crown and H and L of the MOD showed that a die spacer would be essential in the preparation of indirect restorations.

The properties of a variety of mouth protectors and sheet materials used to fabricate custom mouth protectors were determined in order to recommend limits for a specification. Hardness, water sorption, water solubility, impact absorption, and tear strength were measured, and limits for these properties were suggested.

The polymer-filler interaction of a dental composite was examined by dielectric measurements to determine how a non-compatible inorganic phase modifies the molecular behaviour of the polymer chains and how modification of this phase by silanation can affect these molecular behaviours. Urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) monomer and zirconia-silica (ZS) powder were used as organic and inorganic phases, respectively. 3-Acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPM) and 4-aminobutyltriethoxysilane (ABTE) were used as silanating coupling agents. The components of the composite were mixed in different ratios after treating the filler with from 0 to 30 times the minimum uniform coverage with the silane, then the composite was made into thin films. The dielectric spectra of five replicas for each filler-monomer ratio were measured, and three replicas were measured for each silane and for each amount of silane used to treat the filler. Increasing the filler concentration in the composites decreased the intensity of Tan(delta)epsilon for the alpha- and beta-relaxations, where the beta-relaxations also became broader and the alpha-relaxations were totally obstructed. The alpha-relaxations were shifted to higher temperatures, while the beta-relaxations were shifted to lower temperatures. Filler treatment with small amounts of MAPM shifted the alpha-relaxations to higher temperatures; they were shifted back to lower temperatures when the filler was treated with large amounts of silane. Filler treatment with large amounts of ABTE (30-fold) caused an extra peak to emerge in the high-temperature region. It can be concluded that increasing filler concentration restricts the mobility of the main chains and decreases the thickness of the surface layer, while allowing more movement of the local chains. Filler treatment with MAPM was shown to be a compatible coupling agent with the ZS and the UDMA systems. Such compatibility was observed through the effectiveness of the chemical linkage of the silane to the filler and the polymer without forming a separate inter-phase. Filler treatment with ABTE was shown to be an incompatible coupling agent for the ZS-filled UDMA system. The incompatibility was observed by the occurrence of a new peak that characterizes an inter-phase.

The developments in biomaterials over the past 40 years were listed in a questionnaire. Groups of dentists with and without a Master's degree ranked each development on the basis of the impact they believed it has had on the practice of dentistry. The results of the questionnaires were analysed and the rankings were discussed and used as a guide to the projection of the probable future needs and developments in biomaterials, based on the needs of current and future dental patients.

A filler for a urethanedimethacrylate composite was silanated with mixtures of fluoroalkyl-, aminoalkyl-, phenyl-, vinyl-, bis silyl ethane- and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAOP) in an attempt to increase the hydrophobicity of the coupling agent layer. Diametral tensile strength was used to evaluate composites stored for (1) 24 h in 23 degrees C (RT) air; (2) 24 h in RT air plus 24 h in 100 degrees C air; (3) 24 h in RT air plus 24 h in 100 degrees C water; and (4) 24 h in RT air plus 24 h in 100 degrees C air plus 24 h in 100 degrees C water. Water sorption and solubility of composites was also determined on samples stored for 24 h in RT air. Heating composites for 24 h in 100 degrees C air increased the tensile strength in eight of 13 silane treatments, while heating in 100 degrees C water for 24 h caused decreases for five silane treatments, no change for six and increases in tensile strength for two silane treatments. When composites that had been stored for 24 h at RT plus heated for 24 h in 100 degrees C air were then heated for 24 h in 100 degrees C water, only one silane treatment, the vinyltriethoxysilane at 25% (25% V), showed no significant decrease in tensile strength. Also, the composite silanated with 25% V had the highest value for tensile strength after storing for 24 h at RT air plus 24 h in 100 degrees C air plus 24 h in 100 degrees C water. These data indicate that the use of vinyltriethoxysilane increases the hydrolytic stability of the composite. Water sorption and solubility of the silanated composites were not satisfactory tests for evaluating hydrolytic stability of composites.

SUMMARY Fluorinated Bis-GMA was synthesized and used with other commercially available fluorinated monomers and diluents to prepare hydrophobic composites. The composites were formulated as onepaste systems and were polymerized using blue light. Mechanical properties and water-related qualities were determined. Fluorination generally improved the hydrophobicity of the composites, but there was no clear-cut effect on mechanical properties.

The effect of silanation on the dispersion of quartz and zirconia-silica fillers by monomers used to formulate composites was studied. Sixteen silane coupling agents and three methods were used, and the amounts of the monomers needed to reach wet and flow point values were determined. The silanes were selected to have a variety of organofunctional and hydrolysable groups. Silanation was done from an ethanol-water solution of the silanes and by adding the silanes directly to the filler at room temperature (24 degrees C) and at the boiling temperature of the silanes. The amount of silane used was either that required to produce minimum uniform coverage on the fillers or three times the minimum coverage. All silanes and all methods of treatment decreased the flow values for both fillers compared to the unsilanated controls. Generalizations were that the effectiveness of silanation on the dispersion of the filler particles was greater (i) when silanation from ethanol solution was used compared to direct addition; (ii) when three times the minimum uniform coverage was used; (iii) when the silane contained methoxy rather than ethoxy groups; (iv) when the silanes were trialkoxy rather than dialkoxy compounds; (v) when the length and bulkiness of the organic functional group was smaller; and (vi) when the organic functional group was methacrylate rather than acrylic. The strength of composites prepared from one of the monomer systems and quartz silanated with methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane was higher than those silanated with acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, which supports the use of the wet and flow point values as screening tests for estimating the dispersability of fillers.

The objectives of this study were to introduce a different method for evaluating the accuracy of impression materials using a vertical height gauge, and to determine the vertical (axial) and horizontal (transversal) changes of four impression materials. Comparison of means demonstrated the changes for addition and condensation type silicones, and larger changes for the agar/alginate combination and the visible light cured (polyetherurethanedimethacrylate) impression material. The results were in agreement with an earlier study of the agar/alginate combination, and the values for the condensation and addition silicones were about half those reported in previous studies. These small changes might indicate the use of a mandibular stock tray for the upper jaw when a putty/wash technique is employed. The findings suggest that, when the horizontal changes (delta X) of impressions taken with a mandibular stock tray have a negative sign (contraction), then the vertical changes (delta L) will have a positive value (expansion), and vice versa. Thus the pattern of distortion can be formulated as delta X/delta L less than 0.

Dielectric characterization evaluated the influence of sorbed moisture on urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) polymer matrix and unsilanated and silanated zirconia-silica (ZS)-filled UDMA composites. The moisture content (MC) of samples tested ranged from 0 to 7.32% with maximum values for UDMA, silanated and unsilanated ZS-filled UDMA were 3.72, 6.0 and 7.32%, respectively. Dielectric spectra were measured from 0.053 to 100 kHz and from -180 to 180;C. Small MC stiffened the polymers, which was shown by a shift of beta-peaks to higher temperatures, a decrease in the half width of bands and an increase in the change of activation energies. Higher MC resulted in water plasticizing the polymer by shifting the beta-peaks to lower temperatures. Maximum water sorption restricted the motion of the polymer chains and the b-peaks shifted to higher temperatures. Further, increasing MC shifted the a-relaxation to lower temperatures in both UDMA and composites. However, in composites with unsilanated ZS, a new relaxation occurred at high temperatures and low frequencies which was attributed to Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization. Thus, in UDMA, water occurs as fragments that form non-freezing clusters. However, in unsilanated ZS-UDMA composites, bulk water can exist at the polymer-filler interface and form disordered structures of ice at low temperatures which can evaporate at high temperatures. Silanated ZS-UDMA composites function similarly to UDMA at low MC but are more plasticized at high temperatures.

Summary The effects of molecular weight of the base silicone, filler and copolymer concentrations on compression set, strain, creep and dynamic elastic modulus were determined. The molecular weight of the base silicone had the least effect on these properties although low molecular weights showed better properties. Chain extenders were detrimental to physical properties of creep, compression set and dynamic elastic modulus. Increased copolymer concentrations decreased compression set, strain and creep and increased the dynamic elastic modulus. The useful copolymer/base functional group ratio was from 1:1 to 3:1. Filler affected properties to a lesser extent than copolymer ratio. Compression set, strain, and creep decreased and the dynamic elastic modulus increased with increasing filler with the properties being directly proportional to the weight fraction. All properties were interrelated with In strain linearly related to In compression set, creep proportional to set, and the dynamic elastic modulus was inversely correlated with strain and creep.

A two-dimensional finite element model of a mandibular quadrant was used to examine the stresses and displacements resulting from a 100 N load placed as follows: (i) distributed on the second molar, (ii) concentrated at 30 degrees to the vertical on the second molar, and (iii) distributed on the second premolar and second molar. Each tooth was supported by periodontal ligaments, cortical and cancellous bone. The modulus and Poisson's ratios for each material were selected from accepted values. The principal stresses were determined throughout the model, with special emphasis being placed for elements in the immediate vicinity of the teeth mentioned above. It was found that for the case where the load was uniformly distributed on the second molar the stresses sigma min were mostly compressive (-) in nature while sigma max were mostly tensile (+). In the case where the load was concentrated and at 30 degrees to the vertical, the magnitude of the stresses were three to five times greater and the pattern less uniform than those resulting from the distributed load. The concentrated load at 30 degrees to the vertical resulted in higher bending stresses than the distributed load and hence higher sigma max stresses.

Synthetic HAP made in the laboratory as 'synthetic bone' may be a possible replacement or repair material, since the mineral phase of dental hard tissue and bone is essentially hydroxyapatite in form. Hydroxyapatite or modified compositions of HAP appear to offer possibilities as a substitute for the original material provided by nature. A high surface area (70.4 m2/g) commercially available hydroxyapatite (HAP) of poor crystallinity was converted to a highly crystalline HAP through sintering at 1200 degrees C in an atmosphere of steam and nitrogen. Compacts were made of the powdered HAP from 500 to 25,000 psi and sintered under the same conditions. The changes in the resulting pore volumes, pore sizes, pore size distributions, densities, and surface areas of the sintered compacts were determined by mercury porosimetry. A 20-fold reduction in open pore volume for sintered compacts was observed. For compacts made at pressures above 5000 psi, the reduction in open pore volume was compensated for by the formation of closed pore volume. The sintering mechanism was attributed mainly to neck formation, growth between particles, diffusion, and plastic deformation.

Summary Creep compliance measurements were shown to be effective in characterizing the elastic, retarded elastic, and viscous properties of polysulphide, silicone, and polyether impression materials. The test is particularly valuable in that the creep compliance was independent of load, allowing the mechanical properties to be represented by a single total creep compliance curve which can be used to determine the various creep components. The total recovered compliance was shown to be independent of time provided the polymerization had progressed sufficiently before testing was done. The retarded elastic and viscous compliances contributed proportionally to the total creep compliance and thus did not affect the rankings of materials. The viscous compliance of polysulphide A decreased enough after 1 h so that the creep compliance of A and D were not different. The creep compliance measurements showed that the polysulphide materials were the most viscoelastic followed by silicone and polyether impression materials. The polyether was the most nearly ideal elastic material but it had a flexibility comparable to heavy body polysulphide. Of particular interest was the observation that polyether with thinner in ratios up to 1 : 1 by length had no practical effect on the viscoelastic properties.

Summary A comparison of the accuracy of denture bases made from a conventional acrylic and four modified acrylic resins was made with the use of a non-parametric method. Twenty-five identical maxillary stone casts were made and five dentures for each resin were processed by conventional compression moulding techniques. The fit of each denture at the molar-to-molar region on its cast was evaluated by five evaluators who independently ranked the twenty-five dentures from best to worst fit after processing, after polishing, and after storage in water at 37°C for 42 days. The ranking data were analysed by Kendall's coefficient of concordance, the Kruskal-Wallis statistic, and the Mann-Whitney test. Excellent agreement among observers was obtained. After storage in water, two modified acrylic resins, Hydrocryl and Vitalon II, had a better fit on their casts than the conventional acrylic, Lucitone Hypro. Lucitone 199 had the same and Hircoe had a poorer fit than Lucitone Hypro.

Summary Three-dimensional photo-elasticity was used to study the stress distribution in complete dentures in functional positions. A new loading device was developed utilizing a linear motion bearing as its main component and mandibular dentures were evaluated for the first time. The stress concentrations were highest (2.5 fringes) on the working side of the mandibular denture. This was also demonstrated in the maxillary denture; however, the magnitude was less (1.8 fringes). The results indicate that this method could be used to quantitatively evaluate the effect of various occlusal schemes upon the denture bases.

An analysis of stress distributions within circumferential clasp arms with various tapers, was undertaken in an effort to (1) determine the area of maximum stress concentration in both tapered and non-tapered clasps, and (2) to compare this point of maximum stress concentration with the area of frequent clasp breakage. The non-tapered clasp showed better distribution of stresses than the tapered clasps. The less favourable stress concentrations could result in eventual failure of the clasp when coupled with other factors such as porosities. The maximum shear stresses in the non-tapered clasp also were lower than those in the tapered clasps. As the taper of the clasp became more accentuated, the magnitude of the stresses increased and shifted towards the tip of the clasp. The maximum tensile stress calculated in a replica of a chromium-cobalt-nickel clasp was in the order of 34 MN/m2 which is well below the ultimate tensile strength of the alloy. This observation leads to the proposal that failure of clasps is a function not only of design but also of other variables, such as porosities, surface irregularities, and fatigue.

Summary A dimethyl siloxane-triacetoxy terminated silane, Type A adhesive, can be modified with the base component of a medium grade polydimethyl siloxane with vinyl groups, MDX 4-4210, to produce more pliable maxillofacial prostheses. The mechanical properties of samples with various Type A adhesive/MDX 4-4210 ratios were determined. Addition of the MDX 4-4210 base decreased the hardness, modulus, and ultimate tensile strength, while the percentage elongation increased. The initial tear strength was relatively constant for the various ratios except for the 50/50 mix, where a 50% decrease was observed. The ability to obtain different mechanical properties by using various ratios of Type A adhesive and MDX 4-4210 could result in the production of maxillofacial prostheses which will more closely stimulate the properties of facial tissues.

Summary In this study the finite element method was used in conjunction with an axisymmetric model of an idealized first molar to determine the stresses, as well as deflections in the floor of a cylindrical cavity preparation as caused by condensers of various sizes. It was found that for the 0·25 mm thickness of dentine, the 2 mm condenser and a 2 kg load, a tensile stress of approximately 70 MN/m2 was obtained near the centre of the preparation. Under the same load and a 4 mm condenser a tensile stress of only 42 MN/m2 was obtained. Bowen & Rodriguez (1962) and Lehman (1967) reported that the tensile strength of dentine was in the order of 51.7 MN/m2 and 41.5 MN/m2 respectively. Thus it was demonstrated that for certain combinations of load, condenser size, and cavity dimensions, the tensile strength of the dentine in the cavity floor could be exceeded and failure of the cavity floor could ensue.

The energy necessary to generate a unit area of torn surfaces was measured for six elastomers with low moduli of elasticity. Four polyurethane materials and two commercial maxillofacial materials were included. The latter had tear energy values between 0.63 and 6.56 erg/cm2, while the polyurethanes ranged from 8.49 to 50.0 erg/cm2. Three of the materials demonstrated non-Hookian behaviour during testing, violating an assumption of the tear energy analysis. A method of compensating for this discrepancy is described.

Summary A hydrophobic co-polymer, helptafluorobutylmethacrylate co-para vinyl phenol, was compounded with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and silanated quartz to produce a hydrophobic composite. The experimental composite had satisfactory working properties and had mechanical properties comparable to commercial composite but a higher modulus of resilience. The wear resistance was equal to or greater than the commercial composite depending on whether a two-body abrasion test or a track width versus normal load test was used for the evaluation. The thermal coefficient of expansion and water sorption values were somewhat higher than those of commercial composites.

Characterization of the pore structure of compacted and sintered parts made from a nickel-base powder was accomplished using the mercury porosimetry method. The theoretical density values for the sintered specimens varied from 56.3 to 96.7% which corresponds to a porosity of 43.7 to 3.3%. A maximum interconnecting median pore diameter of 21 mum resulted from a -80/+200 mesh powder compacted at 138 MN/m2 and sintered for 2 h at 1250 degrees C. Photomicrographs of the same sample showed that it had a maximum pore diameter of 200 mum. The interconnected pore volume decreased with decreasing particle size of the powder, increasing compaction pressure, and increasing sintering temperature. Mechanical properties of tensile strength, yield strength, elastic modulus and percentage elongation were correlated with the pore structure. Proper selection of particle size, compaction pressure, sintering times and sintering temperatures should permit parts with controlled porosity characteristics to be produced that possess adequate mechanical properties for application as implants.

The solubility of four dental cement bases was measured in simulated dentinal fluid and distilled water to evaluate the relevancy of the American Dental Association solubility test for cement bases in contact with vital dentine. A simulated dentinal fluid was formulated utilizing glucose, distilled water, and sterile human plasma. Cement-base samples were immersed in either distilled water or simulated dentinal fluid at 37 degrees C in a shaker water-bath for 1, 2, or 3 months. Weight loss values were compared utilizing a three-way analysis of variance. Zinc oxide-eugenol cements were significantly more soluble in simulated dentinal fluid than distilled water, while the calcium hydroxide cement bases were significantly more soluble in distilled water than simulated dentinal fluid.

A two-dimensional finite element model of a mandibular quadrant was used to examine differences in magnitude of the principal stresses from the placement of three- and four-unit bridges. The area of interest spanned the first premolar to the second molar. Loading conditions were (i) vertical and distributed and (ii) 30 degrees to the vertical and concentrated. The principal stresses were calculated and compared for: (i) the first molar removed with the remaining bone either cancellous or cancellous surrounded by a cortical shell; (ii) as in (i) but with the second premolar and first molar removed; (iii) a three-unit bridge spanning the second premolar to the second molar; and (iv) a four-unit bridge spanning the first premolar to the second molar. Each tooth was supported by periodontal ligaments, cortical and cancellous bone with each assigned the appropriate physical constants. Removal of the first molar resulted in considerable variation of the stresses especially when the cortical shell was replaced by cancellous bone. Because of the lower modulus of cancellous bone and its lower load-bearing capabilities the stresses were three to ten times lower and more uniform within the cancellous bone. Generally, the addition of a bridge resulted in lower and better distributed sigma min stresses. The bridge also resulted in higher tensile stresses distal to the abutment teeth which theoretically could result in bone deposition. No significant differences in magnitude were observed between the three- and four-unit bridge. From a stress standpoint the bridges resulted in more uniform stress distribution around the abutments and an increase in the tensile stress distal to the abutments. Such findings support the placement of a fixed bridge to maintain bone in an edentulous area.

Summary The physical and mechanical properties of samples of a nickel-base alloy fabricated by powder metallurgy were determined. The particle sizes of the powders used to make the samples varied from –80/+ 200 mesh to –325 mesh. The compaction pressure varied from 138 to 414 MN/m2 and the sintering temperature varied from 1150 to 1250°C. The shrinkage during processing, the porosity, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and elastic modulus were used to characterize the samples. The strength of the samples generally increased with decreasing particle size of the powder and increasing compaction pressure and sintering temperatures. The porosity and strength, therefore, could be varied over a wide range by controlling the various parameters. The properties of the samples prepared by powder metallurgy were compared with those of the cast alloy and compact bone. Conditions can be selected that will yield equivalent or better properties by powder metallurgy than by casting.

Summary A dimethyl siloxane triacetoxy terminated silane, Type A adhesive, was modified with the base component of a medium grade polydimethyl siloxane with vinyl groups, MDX 4–4210, to produce a more pliable maxillofacial prosthesis. Force–displacement curves of various ratios of Type A adhesive/MDX 4-4210 were determined and compared with force–displacement curves obtained from human subjects. Within the force range of 0.4 to 1.2 N, the force–displacement slopes obtained on human subjects compared favourably with some of the Type A adhesive/ MDX 4-4210 test specimens. The force–displacement slopes for the elastomers and humans were not in agreement for forces below 0.4 N.