Epoxy-amine networks for dental restorations

The aim of this study was to develop composites materials based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) for applications as dental restorative material for use in fixed prostheses. The composites were formulated by using diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) epoxy prepolymer, triethylenetetramine (TETA) isophorone diamine (IPD) and 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine (AEP) as hardeners with micro-particles of quartz. The formulations were obtained through the optimization of the systems by methods of chemical titration of the functionality groups, and the incorporation of different amounts of the inorganic material. The formulations were examined by mechanical tests (compression) and in vitro biological tests using chinese hamster ovary cells. The system with AEP shows a bigger deformation after the yield stress. The increase of inorganic material on the composites increases the yield strain and the yield stress. However, it provokes a significant decrease on the rupture resistance value. The composites with TETA and AEP present the best mechanical behaviors. The epoxy polymers revealed no signs of cytotoxicity in the biological tests. The work resulted in new biomaterials with good mechanical and biological properties suitable for the manufacture of prostheses orthodontics and it is easy to manufacture and possesses low cost compared with materials already used.