Dental Restorative Materials with Improved Long-Term Storage Stability, Processability and Performance

Our main objective will be to investigate and develop, test, and deploy polymeric based dental restorative materials that are suitable for minimum 5 years storage, and are temperature and humidity insensitive for use under deployed conditions. During this Phase I program, UDC will perform the feasibility determination and development of temperature and humidity insensitive dental restorative composite systems that will have improved storability and performance We will accomplish this by using our knowledge of polymer formulations and fillers, to carefully select and screen matrix resins, fillers, coupling agents, curatives and other formulation ingredients plus determination of component packaging to obtain storability for a minimum of five years. Optimizing filler packing and including negative coefficient of expansion fillers in the formulation, will minimize cure shrinkage and thermal expansion. Formulations will be made and samples prepared. Tests that will be conducted will include accelerated storage at elevated temperature, effects of humidity, processability, tear and compressive strengths and performance as compared with currently available materials. At the end of Phase I, we will provide a detailed report with results and conclusions, and a Phase II plan, schedule and cost estimate. When the objectives. of this program are achieved, there will be immediate commercial acceptance of the new dental restorative materials kits. Current discarded products due to expiration of shelf life, and handling/inventory procedures add significantly to the cost of polymeric dental materials.