An Investigation Of The Effects Of Methoxy Substitution On The Thermomechanical Properties Of Lignin-Based Bisphenol Derived Polymers

Date
2016-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Bisphenol A-based methacrylate resins and composites are used for many medical applications such as dental fillings and medical adhesives. Recent information regarding adverse health effects of BPA, however, has initiated interest in safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives. This work focuses on assessing the feasibility of utilizing lignin-derived bisguaiacols as alternative monomers for dental resins. Three different lignin based bisguaiacol monomers, bisguaiacol F, bisguaiacol P, and bisguaiacol S, are investigated, with each monomer differing in the number of methoxy groups. The bisguaiacol monomers are synthesized and functionalized with methacrylates capable of free radical polymerization. Ultraviolet light-activated radical polymerization is then used in the production of copolymer systems with the medically relevant reactive diluent Triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) for each respective monomer. The conversion of the polymerizations are studied using in situ FTIR analysis. Additionally, the thermomechanical properties of each respective polymer system are investigated using DMA analysis. The thermomechanical properties of the polymer systems derived from each monomer are compared and the effect of methoxy substitution is analyzed. The applicability of these monomers in dental resins is then assessed by comparing the resulting polymer properties with those of bis-GMA/TEGDMA systems.
Description
Keywords
polymers, chemical engineering, methoxy substitution
Citation