A utilização de resinas compostas para restaurações em dentes anteriores e posteriores é bastante frequente na odontologia atual, pois suas propriedades mecânicas e estéticas são compatíveis a estrutura dental. O objetivo deste trabalho foi confeccionar e caracterizar uma resina composta para uso odontológico utilizando esmalte bovino como carga de reforço. Para confeccionar a resina composta a mesma matriz orgânica comumente utilizada nas resinas comerciais foi empregada. A carga de reforço foi obtida através da moagem de fragmentos de esmalte bovino, e posteriormente submetida a um tratamento superficial para que tornasse possível a união das partículas com a matriz orgânica. Foram confeccionadas resinas compostas nas concentrações de 60, 70 e 85% em peso de carga. Para fotopolimerização um dispositivo a base de LED com banda de emissão centrada em 470 nm com intensidade e 1000 mW/cm2 foi usado. Duas resinas comerciais Filtek Z-250 e Supreme XT (3M ESPE) ambas na cor A2 foram empregadas para comparação. A caracterização das resinas experimentais e comerciais foi realizada através de ensaios de compressão axial e diametral, grau de conversão, teste de dureza Vickers e fluorescência. No teste de fluorescência realizado em dentes humanos, a resina experimental com 85% de partícula de carga em peso apresentou valores de intensidade de fluorescência em escala de cinza ao redor de 34 (unid. arb.) sendo mais semelhante ao dente (41 unid. arb.) quando comparada com as resinas comerciais que obtiveram valores ao redor de 17 (unid. arb.). Baseado nos testes realizados, a resina experimental apresenta propriedades promissoras para utilização em restaurações. / The use of composite resins for restorative procedure at anterior and posterior cavities is highly common in the modern Dentistry because its mechanical and aesthetic properties are compatible with the remanescent dental structure. The aim of this study was the manipulation and characterization of a dental composite resin using bovine enamel as reinforcing filler. The same organic matrix of the commercially available resins was used for this experimental resin. The reinforcing filler was obtained after the gridding of bovine enamel fragments and a superficial treatment was performed to allow the adhesion of the filler particles with the organic matrix. The experimental resin was manipulated at the weight filler concentrations of 60%, 70%, and 85%. A LED-based light source with 1000 mW/cm2 centered at 470 nm was used for photopolimerization. Two commercial resins, Filtek Z-250 and Supreme XT at A2 shade, were used for comparison. The resin characterization was performed with tensile strength and diametral tensile strength tests, conversion degree, Vickers hardness, and fluorescence. In the fluorescent test performed at human teeth, the experimental resin with 85% particle weight showed fluorescence intensity values at gray scale, around 34 (arbitrary units), being more similar to the tooth (41 arb. units) when compared with commercial resins (17 arb. units). Based on the investigated tests, the present experimental resin shows promising properties to its use on dental restorations.

Neste trabalho foi realizada a síntese e caracterização de um derivado de S,S-dioxidotioxantona, 7,8-benzotioxanton-9-ona-10,10-dióxido (TX-Np-SO2). A TX-Np-SO2 foi caracterizada estruturalmente por espectros eletrônico e vibracional (UV-vis e fluorescência, Infravermelho) e também por ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) de 1H e 13C. As propriedades fotofísicas, espectros de emissão de fluorescência e fosforescência e o rendimento quântico de fluorescência da TX-Np-SO2 foram determinadas, assim como os tempos de vida de fluorescência (τF = 3,62 ns) e fosforescência (τPh = 800 ms). Os espectros de absorção triplete-triplete dos transientes da TX-Np-SO2, em soluções desoxigenadas de metanol, acetonitrila e metilciclohexano, foram determinados por Fotólise por Pulso de Laser, bem como as constantes de velocidade de supressão bimoleculares do derivado pelos supressores trans-estilbeno, trietilamina, p-dimetilamina benzoato de etila e 2-propanol. A fotopolimerização do metacrilato de metila (MMA) iniciada por TX-Np-SO2 foi estudada por dilatometria. A reação de polimerização do iniciador (TX-Np-SO2) na presença de amina e o monômero MMA foi estudada de modo a determinar a taxa de polimerização (Rp) a diferentes concentrações de trietilamina (TEA) e p-dimetilamina benzoato de etila (EDB). / The aim of this work was the synthesis and characterization of a S,S-dioxidethioxanthone derivative, 7,8-benzo-thioxanthen-9-one-10,10-dioxide (TX-Np-SO2). The TX-Np-SO2 was structurally characterized by its electronic and vibrational spectra (UV-vis and fluorescence, IR) and also by 1H and 13C RMN methods. The photophysical properties, fluorescence and phosphorescence emission spectra, and fluorescence quantum yield of TX-Np-SO2 were determined, as well as the fluorescence lifetime (τF = 3,62 ns) and the phosphorescence lifetime (τPh = 800 ms). The transient absorption spectra of TX-Np-SO2 in degassed solutions of methanol, acetonitrile and methylcyclohexane were determined by Laser Flash Photolysis, as well as the bimolecular triplet quenching rate constants for of the derivative by various compounds. The photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by TX-Np-SO2 was studied by dilatometry. The polymerization reaction of the initiator (TX-Np-SO2) in the presence of amine and MMA monomer was studied in order to determine the polymerization rate (Rp) at different loadings of triethylamine (TEA) and ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDB).

Neste trabalho usamos pulsos de femtossegundos na fabricação de estruturas poliméricas em escala microscópica, através da técnica de fotopolimerização via absorção de dois fótons. Graças ao confinamento espacial da polimerização, resultante do processo de absorção de dois fótons, este método permite a fabricação de microestruturas tridimensionais complexas, com alta resolução, visando diversas aplicações tecnológicas, de fotônica até biologia. Inicialmente, desenvolvemos a técnica de fotopolimerização via absorção de dois fótons, desde a implantação da montagem óptica até a confecção dos sistemas de movimentação e controle do posicionamento do feixe laser. Através da fabricação e caracterização de microestruturas, produzidas em resinas acrílicas, o sistema foi aperfeiçoado permitindo a produção de microestruturas da pordem de 30um com razoável resolução espacial. Uma vez que a maior parte as microestruturas reportadas na literatura são elementos passivos, ou seja, suas propriedades ópticas não podem ser controladas por meios externos, numa segunda etapa deste projeto produzimos microestruturas opticamente ativas. Neste caso, a microfabricação foi feita em resinas acrílicas dopadas Rodamina B, exibindo, portanto, fluorescência quando excitadas com luz de comprimento de onda em torno de 540nm. Finalmente, visando a produção eficiente de estruturas em escala milimétrica para aplicações biológicas, implementamos também um sistema de fotopolomerização via absorção de um fóton. / In this work we used femtosecond pulses to fabricate polymeric structures at microscopic scale, by using the two-photon photopolymerization technique. Due to the spatial confinement of the polymerization, provided by the two-photon absorption, this method allows for the fabrication of complex three-dimensional microstructures, with high resolution, aiming to several technological applications, from photonics to biology. Initially, we developed the two-photon polimerization technique, from the optical setup to the mechanical systems to control the movement and the positioning of the laser beam. Through the fabrication and characterization os microestrutures, produced in acrylic resin, the apparatus was improved, allowing the fabriation of 30-um microstructures with reasonable spatial resolution. Since most the report in the literature are passive elements that is, their optical properties cannot be altered by any external means, in a second stage of this project we fabricated optical active microstructures. In this case, the microfabrication was carried out in acrylic resins doped with Rodamine B, exhibiting, consenquently, fluorescence when excited with light at 540nm. Finally, in order to eficiently produce milimetric structures for biological applications, we also implemented a one-photon polimerization setup.

A polimerização de monômeros vinílicos fotoiniciada por corantes foi estudada em diferentes meios (meio orgânico, ausência de solvente e meio hidrotrópico). A polimerização fotoiniciada do MMA pelo corante Vermelho Neutro na presença de trietilamina foi estudada com o objetivo de se determinar o mecanismo que leva à formação dos radicais iniciadores. Uma expressão para o rendimento de radicais livres foi deduzida a partir do mecanismo proposto, os valores experimentais para o equilíbrio e as constantes de reação para os estados fundamental, singlete e triplete do corante na presença de outras espécies e de trietilamina (co-iniciador) foram utilizadas para simular o comportamento do sistema de polimerização. A amina aromática 4-anisidina também foi utilizada como coiniciador. As cinéticas de fotopolimerização de monômeros multifuncionais foram acompanhadas com as técnicas de Fotocalorimetria Diferencial de Varredura (Foto-DSC) e Espectroscopia de Infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier em Tempo Real (RT-FTIR). Os iniciadores utilizados foram os corantes safranina e tioxantona. Os co-iniciadores usados foram as aminas TEA, TEOHA e EDB. Todos os sistemas foram estudados na ausência de solvente. Filmes poliméricos foram preparados para verificar a absorção de clorofórmio mediante a técnica de gravimetria. Tal estudo avaliou a relação entre a densidade de entrecruzamento dos polímeros e o fotoiniciador utilizado. Copolímeros de ESS e MMA ou HEMA foram preparados em meio hidrotrópico por polimerização fotoiniciada utilizando o corante catiônico safranina. A concentração de ESS utilizada foi de 0,5 M, pois nessa concentração há a formação de agregados de ESS, caracterizando o meio como hidrotrópico. As polimerizações dos monômeros MMA (hidrofóbico) e HEMA (hidrofílico) apresentaram comportamentos distintos frente ao meio hidrotrópico. / The photoinitiation of the polymerization of methyl methacrylate by the dye neutral red in the presence of thiethylamine was studied in order to determine the mechanism that leads to the formation of the initiating radicals. An expression for the yield of free radicals was deduced from the mechanism, and the experimental values for the equilibrium and reaction constants of the ground, singlet and triplet states of the dye in the presence of the other components of the formulation, were used to calculat the behaviour of the system when varying the concentration of the co-initiator triethylamine. The observed dependence fits closely the global polymerization rates obtained directly from polymerization kinetics studied by dilatometry. The amine 4-anisidine has also been used as co-initiator. The photoinitiated polymerization of multifunctional monomers was followed by real time infrared spectroscopy (RTIR) and by photo differential scanning calorimeter (Photo- DSC). Several parameters influence this kinetic such as temperature, photoinitiator concentration, light intensity, polymerizable function concentration, and material thickness. The initiators used in this study were the dyes safranine and thioxanthone. The co-initiators used were the amines TEA, TEOHA and EDB. The swelling of films of these copolymers were determined by chloroform absorption. A good inverse relationship was found between the swelling and the polymerization rates. Copolymers of styrenesulfonate and methyl methacrylate, or hydroxyethyl methacrylate, were prepared by photoinitiation polymerization using the cationic dye Safranine in hydrotropic medium. The reactions were be carried out at Stys concentrations higher than the MHC (minimum hydrotrope concentration) where the monomer forms aggregates.

Interações do estado fundamental e espécies transientes, formadas após fotólise e fotossensibilização de 2-ethylaminodiphenylborinate (2APB) e diphenylboronic anhydride (TPhB), foram estudadas por várias técnicas. Os espectros UV mostram uma grande banda de absorção na região do Ultra-violeta. Os espectros de fluorescência mostram o aumento da intensidade de emissão, em 300 nm, que se desloca para o vermelho até 10-3 M. Em concentrações mais elevadas, a intensidade de emissão diminui, provavelmente devido à formação de agregados. Excitação dos organoboranos no UV, em soluções livre de oxigênio, mostram a formação de dois transientes em 300 e 360 nm. Este último, atribuído a espécie triplete, tem uma vida útil de 5 ms em etanol e é totalmente suprimida na presença de oxigênio. A banda em 300 nm não é afetada por oxigênio, tem uma vida útil da ordem de milisegundos e corresponde a uma espécie com radical centrado no boro. O radical também pode ser obtido por transferência eletrônica do estado triplete da Safranina ao organoborano, formando a forma semioxidada do corante. Experimentos EPR, usando DMPO, mostram que a fotólise direta no UV de 2ABP forma o radical arilborano, seguido pela clivagem de uma ligação B-C e formação de radicais fenil. Radicais de boro são formados quando organoboranos são fotossensíveis por Safranina. Na tentativa de se estender o uso de organoboranos em sistemas de poliméricos, sais ônium foi usado para produzir mais iniciadores e melhorar a velocidade de polimerização. Na excitação visível, induzida a produzir iniciadores, o sentitizador (corante *) é oxidado pelo organoborano para formar o cátion radical correspondente (coranteo+) e R3Bo -. Este ânion radical pode iniciar a polimerização ou interagir com sal de ônio, resultando na liberação de uma grande quantidade de radicais que inicia a polimerização mais eficiente. / Ground state interactions and excited states and transients formed after photolysis and photosensitization of 2-ethylaminodiphenylborinate (2APB) and diphenylboronic anhydride (TPhB) were studied by various techniques. The UV spectra show a large absorption band at UV-spectra. The fluorescence spectra show increasing emission intensity with maximum at 300 nm, which shifts to the red up to 10-3 M concentrations. At higher concentrations, the emission intensity decreases, probably due to the formation of aggregates. UV excitation in deareated solutions shows the formation of two transients at 300 and 360 nm. The latter has a lifetime of 5 ms in ethanol and is totally quenched in the presence of oxygen and assigned to the triplet state of organoborane. The 300 nm peak is not affected by oxygen, has a lifetime in the order of milliseconds, and corresponds to a boron-centered radical species originated from the triplet state. The radical can also be obtained by electron transfer from triplet Safranine to the borane forming the semioxidized form of the dye. EPR experiments using DMPO show that the UV-direct photolysis of 2ABP renders initially arylboroncentered radicals followed by the cleavage of a B-C bond and formation of phenyl radicals. Similar boron radicals are formed when 2APB is photosensitized by Safranine. To extend the use of organoboranes in polymeric system, ônium salts was used to produce more initiators and improve the polymerization velocity. In the visible-induced excitation to produce initiators, the sentitizer (dye*) is oxidized by trivalent and neutral organoborane compound to form the corresponding radical cation (dyeo+) and R3Bo-. This radical anion may itself initiate the polymerization or may interact with onium salt, resulting in the release of a lot of radical that can initiate the polymerization more efficiently.

Neste trabalho foi realizada a síntese e caracterização de um derivado de S,S-dioxidotioxantona, 7,8-benzotioxanton-9-ona-10,10-dióxido (TX-Np-SO2). A TX-Np-SO2 foi caracterizada estruturalmente por espectros eletrônico e vibracional (UV-vis e fluorescência, Infravermelho) e também por ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) de 1H e 13C. As propriedades fotofísicas, espectros de emissão de fluorescência e fosforescência e o rendimento quântico de fluorescência da TX-Np-SO2 foram determinadas, assim como os tempos de vida de fluorescência (τF = 3,62 ns) e fosforescência (τPh = 800 ms). Os espectros de absorção triplete-triplete dos transientes da TX-Np-SO2, em soluções desoxigenadas de metanol, acetonitrila e metilciclohexano, foram determinados por Fotólise por Pulso de Laser, bem como as constantes de velocidade de supressão bimoleculares do derivado pelos supressores trans-estilbeno, trietilamina, p-dimetilamina benzoato de etila e 2-propanol. A fotopolimerização do metacrilato de metila (MMA) iniciada por TX-Np-SO2 foi estudada por dilatometria. A reação de polimerização do iniciador (TX-Np-SO2) na presença de amina e o monômero MMA foi estudada de modo a determinar a taxa de polimerização (Rp) a diferentes concentrações de trietilamina (TEA) e p-dimetilamina benzoato de etila (EDB). / The aim of this work was the synthesis and characterization of a S,S-dioxidethioxanthone derivative, 7,8-benzo-thioxanthen-9-one-10,10-dioxide (TX-Np-SO2). The TX-Np-SO2 was structurally characterized by its electronic and vibrational spectra (UV-vis and fluorescence, IR) and also by 1H and 13C RMN methods. The photophysical properties, fluorescence and phosphorescence emission spectra, and fluorescence quantum yield of TX-Np-SO2 were determined, as well as the fluorescence lifetime (τF = 3,62 ns) and the phosphorescence lifetime (τPh = 800 ms). The transient absorption spectra of TX-Np-SO2 in degassed solutions of methanol, acetonitrile and methylcyclohexane were determined by Laser Flash Photolysis, as well as the bimolecular triplet quenching rate constants for of the derivative by various compounds. The photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by TX-Np-SO2 was studied by dilatometry. The polymerization reaction of the initiator (TX-Np-SO2) in the presence of amine and MMA monomer was studied in order to determine the polymerization rate (Rp) at different loadings of triethylamine (TEA) and ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDB).

Neural prosthetics are used to replace or substantially augment remaining motor and sensory functions of neural pathways that were lost or damaged due to physical trauma, disease, or genetics. However, due to poor spatial signal resolution, neural prostheses fail to recapitulate the intimate, precise interactions inherent to neural networks. Designing materials and interfaces that direct de novo nerve growth to spatially specific stimulating elements is, therefore, a promising method to enhance signal specificity and performance of prostheses such as the successful cochlear implant (CI) and the developing retinal implant. In this work, the spatial and temporal reaction control inherent to photopolymerization was used to develop methods to generate micro and nanopatterned materials that direct neurite growth from prosthesis relevant neurons. In particular, neurite growth and directionality has been investigated in response to physical, mechanical, and chemical cues on photopolymerized surfaces. Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) serve as the primary neuronal model as they are the principal target for CI stimulation. The objective of the research is to rationally design materials that spatially direct neurite growth and to translate fundamental understanding of nerve cell-material interactions into methods of nerve regeneration that improve neural prosthetic performance. A rapid, single-step photopolymerization method was developed to fabricate micro and nanopatterned physical cues on methacrylate surfaces by selectively blocking light with photomasks. Feature height is readily tuned by modulating parameters of the photopolymerizaiton including initiator concentration and species, light intensity, separation distance from the photomask, and radiation exposure time. Alignment of neural elements increases significantly with increasing feature amplitude and constant periodicity, as well as with decreasing periodicity and constant amplitude. SGN neurite alignment strongly correlates with the maximum feature slope. Neurite alignment is compared on unpatterned, unidirectional, and multidirectional photopolymerized micropatterns. The effect of substrate rigidity on neurite alignment to physical cues was determined by maintaining equivalent pattern microfeatures, afforded by the reaction control of photopolymerization, while concomitantly altering the composition of several copolymer platforms to tune matrix stiffness. For each platform, neurite alignment to unidirectional patterns increases with increasing substrate rigidity. Interestingly, SGN neurites respond to material stiffness cues that are orders of magnitude higher (GPa) than what is typically ascribed to neural environments (kPa). Finally, neurite behavior at bioactive borders of various adhesion modulating molecules was evaluated on micropatterned materials to determine which cues took precedence in establishing neurite directionality. At low microfeatures aspect ratios, neurites align to the pattern direction but are then caused to turn and repel from or turn and align to bioactive borders. Conversely, physical cues dominate neurite path-finding as pattern feature slope increases, i.e. aspect ratio of sloping photopolymerized features increases, causing neurites to readily cross bioactive borders. The photopolymerization method developed in this work to generate micro and nanopatterned materials serves as an additional surface engineering tool that enables investigation of cell-material interactions including directed de novo neurite growth. The results of this interdisciplinary effort contribute substantially to polymer neural regeneration technology and will lead to development of advanced biomaterials that improve neural prosthetic tissue integration and performance by spatially directing nerve growth.

Photopolymerization is a growing field within the realms of polymer and material science. With diverse applications, ranging from coatings and adhesives to newer technologies such as 3D printing photopolymerization continues to increase its prevalence and influence. This research examines fundamental structure property relationships between large prepolymer structures within a formulation and the resulting impact on thermo-mechanical properties in photocurable resins. Most prepolymer molecules utilize a “one pot” synthesis with little to no control over the placement of photoreactive moieties such as epoxies and (meth) acrylates. We have utilized novel prepolymer molecules synthesized using controlled radical polymerization to allow direct control over the placement of reactive groups. The ability to control the location of reactive groups in prepolymer molecules can also lead to the formation of multiple domains within the resulting photocured thermoset. This separation is achieved by concentrating the reactive groups at specific locations in the prepolymer backbone, e.g. at the end or near the center of the prepolymer molecule. The nonreactive groups may form one domain within the thermoset network while the reactive portion of the prepolymer forms a second phase with reactive diluent molecules. Additionally, various architectures allow greater control over polymer network formation and crosslink density. Through these manipulations of macromolecular architecture, we have been able to manipulate various thermo-mechanical properties. Using various architectured prepolymer, we have been able to generate materials with multiple glass transitions while also increasing the rate of reaction and total conversion as compared to randomly functionalized control formulations.

Photopolymerization is considered an attractive alternative in many industries to traditional polymerization processes. The advantages of photopolymerization over other types of polymerization include elimination of heat sources, faster cure times, and reduction in the use of volatile organic solvents. Despite these environmental and cost-saving advantages, photopolymerizations have several limitations. Light attenuation can be a problem for systems containing pigments or fillers. The radiation source penetrates only to a shallow depth beneath the surface, limiting the thickness of strongly pigmented or filled coatings and films. Photopolymerization is also generally limited to systems with simple geometries that can be uniformly illuminated. Coatings on three-dimensional substrates, or other systems with complex geometries, are difficult to uniformly cure. These problems can be solved by "shadow cure," which is defined as the reactive diffusion of photoinitiated active centers into regions of a polymer that are unilluminated. In this contribution, the generation and subsequent spatial and temporal evolution of the active center concentrations during illumination are analyzed using the differential equations that govern the light intensity gradient and photoinitiator concentration gradient for polychromatic illumination. Reactive diffusion of the active centers during the post-illumination period is shown to result in cure of unilluminated regions. A kinetic analysis is performed by coupling the active center concentration profiles with the propagation rate equation, yielding predicted cure times for a variety of applications. This analysis is used for the evaluation of cationic shadow cure in pigmented photopolymerization systems, and systems with complex geometries. The extensive characterization of cationic systems is then applied to free-radical photopolymerization to examine the potential of shadow cure for active centers with much shorter lifetimes. An example of a free-radical photopolymerization system is characterized in which the dimensional scales are small enough to utilize the short lifetimes of the active centers. The results presented for both free-radical and cationic shadow cure indicate that the reactive diffusion of photoinitiated active centers may be used for effective cure in unilluminated regions of a photopolymer. This research will potentially allow photopolymerization to be applied in industries where it has never before been utilized.

Incorporating nanotechnology into polymers has tremendous potential to improve the functionality and performance of polymer materials for use in a wide range of biomedical and industrial applications. This research uses lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) to control polymer structure on the nanometer scale in order to improve material properties. The overall goal of this research is to establish fundamental methods of synthesizing polymers with controlled nanostructured architectures in order to understand and utilize useful property relationships that result from the organized polymer morphologies. This work aims to establish a fundamental understanding of the reaction conditions needed to control polymer nanostructure and determine the benefits of organized polymer network structures on mechanical and transport properties. The synthesis of nanostructured polymers for improved material performance has utilized LLCs and photopolymerization kinetics to direct polymer structure. Self-assembled LLC phases provide a useful template that may be used as a photopolymerization platform to control polymer morphology on the nanometer size scale. Photopolymerization kinetics were used as a tool to examine the thermodynamics and phase structure evolution that occurs during the polymerization reaction. Additionally, several methods were developed to control polymer morphology and prevent loss of LLC order that can occur during polymerization. LLCs were also used to generate nanocomposite polymers with two distinct polymer networks to impart improvements in material properties. Other useful property relationships including increases in mechanical integrity, greater diffusive transport, and larger water uptake were established in this research. Finally, the LLC templating process was applied to solve performance problems associated with stimuli-sensitive polymer materials. Dramatic improvements in the response rate, dynamic range, and mechanical properties were achieved using LLCs and photopolymerization to control polymer nanostructure. This work has established fundamental tools that can be used to understand and control the evolution of polymer structure during the polymerization reaction in order to improve polymer properties. Ultimately, the enhanced properties generated by the nanostructured polymer network can be used to improve the functionality of polymers.