L’embolisation vasculaire est un traitement peu invasif utilisé pour éliminer ou interrompre de façon sélective les apports vasculaires à des régions spécifiques du corps. Une technique consiste en l’introduction d’un microcathéter dans le vaisseau sanguin cible et à administrer un agent embolique qui réagit au contact du sang. Les colles emboliques à base de cyanoacrylate sont les principaux agents liquides utilisés pour l’embolisation à cause de leur faible viscosité, leur bonne capacité de pénétration et leur faible toxicité tissulaire. Pour permettre sa détection après injection, la colle est mélangée à un agent de contraste radio-opaque telle que l’huile iodée Lipiodol®. Bien que la technique soit couramment utilisée, il existe peu de données sur la dynamique du processus d’injection au sein de flux sanguins complexes ou sur la cinétique de polymérisation du mélange colle-Lipiodol. Par conséquent, une occlusion sans danger est difficile à réaliser, même entre les mains de radiologues expérimentés. Le principal objectif de la thèse est d’étudier de façon quantitative les propriétés physiques et la cinétique de polymérisation des colles cyanoacrylates mélangées au Lipiodol dans différentes proportions. Nous avons conçu un nouveau dispositif expérimental pour caractériser le processus de polymérisation d’un mélange colle/Lipiodol en contact avec une solution ionique ou protéinée. Les résultats montrent un processus de polymérisation rapide à l’interface entre la colle et le substrat, suivi par la proagation d’un front de polymérisation dans le volume de préparation de colle. Les constantes de temps des processus dépendent des compositions de la solution et du mélange de colle. Un autre objectif est d’analyser le processus d’embolisation dynamique. Un modèle in vitro du processus d’injection est utilisé pour étudier en premier lieu la formation de goutte entre deux flux immiscibles et qui ne réagissent pas entre eux. L’injection d’une préparation de colle dans une solution ionique en écoulement est ensuite réalisée pour montrer l’influence conjointe de la polymérisation et de l’hydrodynamique. C’est la première fois qu’une telle caractérisation exhaustive de colles emboliques à base de cyanoacrylate est obtenue. Les résultats peuvent apporter des informations cruciales aux radiologues interventionnels, ce qui les aidera à comprendre et contrôler le comportement de la colle après injection afin d’accomplir une oblitération permanente des vaisseaux en toute sécurité. / Vascular embolization is a minimally invasive treatment used to selectively eliminate or stop the vascular supply to specific body areas. One technique consists of navigating a microcatheter into the targeted blood vessel and injecting an embolic agent which reacts in contact with blood. Cyanoacrylate-based embolic glues are the main liquid adhesives used for vascular embolization owing to their low viscosity, good penetration ability and low tissue toxicity. To enable its detection once injected, the glue is mixed with a radio-opaque contrast agent such as the Lipiodol iodized oil. Although the technique is commonly used, there is very little information on the dynamics of the injection process in complex blood flows or on the polymerization kinetics of the glue-Lipiodol mixture. Consequently, safe occlusion is difficult to achieve, even in the hands of experienced radiologists. The main objective of the thesis is to quantitatively investigate the physical properties and polymerization kinetics of cyanoacrylate glues mixed with Lipiodol in different proportions. We have designed a new experimental setup to characterize the polymerization process of a glue/Lipiodol mixture on contact with an ionic or proteinaceous solution. We find that there is a fast polymerization process at the interface between the glue and the substrate, followed by the propagation of a polymerization front in the glue mixture volume. The time constants of the processes depend on the solution and glue mixture compositions. Another objective is to analyze the dynamic embolization process. An in vitro model of the injection process is used to first investigate the drop formation between two non-reacting immiscible flows. The injection of a glue mixture into a flowing ionic solution is then performed to show the joint influence of polymerization and hydrodynamics. It is the first time that such comprehensive characterization of cyanoacrylate-based embolic glues is acquired. The results can provide crucial information to interventional radiologists, that will help them understand and control the glue behavior after injection to achieve a safe and permanent obliteration of the vessels.

No description available.

O objetivo do trabalho foi investigar múltiplos aspectos relacionados ao pré-aquecimento da resina composta anterior à fotoativação: o grau de conversão e a cinética da polimerização em função da temperatura de polimerização, tempo de fotoativação e profundidade; o desempenho da fonte aquecedora (temperatura máxima, estabilidade térmica do aparelho e variações de temperatura ao pré-aquecer compules) e aspectos clínicos (o efeito de ciclos de pré-aquecimento repetidos e prolongados sobre o grau de conversão, a variação da temperatura intrapulpar in vitro e a variação da temperatura in vivo ao usar resina composta pré-aquecida ou a temperatura ambiente. A conversão de monômeros e os parâmetros de cinética foram determinados através de FTIR-ATR. Os espécimes foram fotoativados por 5, 10, 20 ou 40s entre 3 o e 60 o C. Foram calculados o grau de conversão em tempo real, a taxa máxima de conversão, o tempo em que ocorreu a taxa máxima, e a conversão na taxa máxima. Os dados foram tratados por análise de variância, teste-t e análise de regressão (p ≤0,05). O desempenho do dispositivo aquecedor foi medido monitorando-se a mudança de temperatura em tempo real com o auxílio de um termopar tipo-k conectado a um conversor analógico-digital. Os termopares foram colocados no aquecedor e dentro de compules de compósito. Os dados foram analisados com teste t (p ≤0,05). Compules (n=5) foram submetidos a um dos ciclos térmicos: Pré-aquecimento repetido (da temperatura ambiente a 60 o C, por 10 vezes) ou Prolongado (24h a 60 o C). O grau de conversão foi medido 24h após os ciclos, com o compósito à temperatura ambiente, seguindo o protocolo descrito acima. Os dados foram tratados por análise de variância e teste de Tukey (p≤0,05). O aumento da temperatura intrapulpar foi medido por um termopar colocado na câmara pulpar de um prémolar contendo uma cavidade de Classe V (com 1mm de espessura de dentina remanescente). O preparo foi preenchido com compósito à temperatura ambiente ou pré-aquecido enquanto a temperatura intrapulpar era continuamente monitorada (n=5). Os dados foram comparados por análise de variância e teste de Tukey (p ≤0,05). Para a medida da variação de temperatura in vivo, foram feitos preparos cavitários de 2mm de profundidade em dentes posteriores de um indivíduo (n=3). Uma sonda que mensurava a temperatura foi introduzida no dente preparado em cada procedimento restaurador e durante a inserção da resina composta à temperatura ambiente ou pré-aquecida a 60°C. Os dados foram comparados com análise de variância e teste de Tukey (p ≤0,05). Os resultados indicaram que: 1) o pré-aquecimento da resina composta anterior à fotoativação aumenta o grau de conversão, reduz o tempo de fotoativação e resulta em maior taxa de conversão, sem alterar o tempo em que a taxa máxima ocorre; 2) tanto o dispositivo aquecedor quanto os compules atingiram temperaturas inferiores das determinadas pelo fabricante; ao remover o compósito do aquecedor a perda de calor é acentuada ; 3) o grau de conversão não foi afetado por ciclos repetidos e prolongados de pré-aquecimento da resina composta; 4) não houve aumento da temperatura intrapulpar ao serem comparadas as resinas composta à temperatura ambiente e pré-aquecida; 5) a medida da temperatura in vivo revelou que o compósito pré-aquecido a 60 o C fica somente 8 o C acima da temperatura intrabucal; a técnica de pré-aquecimento deve ser usada com cautela. / This work examined multiple aspects of pre-heating dental resin composite prior to light-curing: the monomer conversion and polymerization kinetics as a function of cure temperature, light-exposure duration and depth; the performance of the heating device (maximum temperature, thermal stability of device and temperature change when pre-heating compules); and clinically relevant issues (the effect of repeated and extended pre-heating cycles on conversion; in vitro intrapulpal temperature change and in vivo temperature change when using either room-temperature or pre-heated composite). Monomer conversion and kinetic parameters were determined using FTIR-ATR. Specimens were cured for 5, 10, 20 or 40s between 3 o and 60 o C. Real-time monomer conversion, maximum conversion rate, time into exposure when maximum rate occurred, and conversion at maximum rate were calculated. Data were analyzed using regression analysis, Student's t-tests, and ANOVA with appropriate post-hoc tests (alpha = 0.05). Performance of the heating device was measured by monitoring the real-time temperature change with a K-type thermocouple connected to an analog-to-digital converter. Thermocouples were placed both in the heater and inside composite compules. Data were analyzed using Student t-test (alpha = 0.05). Compules (n=5) were submitted to one of the temperatures cycles: Repeated (from room temperature to 60 o C, 10 times) or Extended pre-heating (24h at 60 o C). Monomer conversion was measured 24h after cycling, with composite at room temperature, following the protocol described above. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test (alpha = 0.05). Intrapulpal temperature rise was measured by placing a K-type thermocouple in the pulp chamber of a extracted, human premolar, which had a Class V preparation (1mm remaining dentin thickness). The preparation was filled using composite either at room-temperature, or pre-heated while continuously monitoring intrapulpal temperature (n=5). Data were compared using ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test (α =0.05). For measurement of temperature change in vivo, 2mm deep preparations were made on posterior teeth of a live human subject (n=3). Temperature values were recorded by placing a custom-made probe on the tooth preparation after each restorative procedure and during insertion of resin-composite at room temperature or pre-heated to 60°C. Data were compared using a 2-way ANOVA, and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test (α =0.05). Results indicated that: 1) pre-warming composite prior to polymerization results in greater conversion, requires shorter exposure duration, and enhances maximal rate of conversion without changing the time into the exposure when the maximum rate occurs; 2) either the heating device or the compules achieved lower temperatures than those stated by the manufacturer; composite temperature loss upon removal from the heater was dramatic; 3) neither repeated nor extended pre-heating of composites significantly affected monomer conversion values; 4) no increase in intrapulpal temperature values was observed when comparing room temperature and pre-heated composite; 5) temperature measurement in vivo revealed that composite pre-heated to 60°C attains only 8 o C above intraoral temperature upon delivery; thus, the composite pre-heating technique should be used with caution.

Partículas poliméricas com propriedades magnéticas podem ser utilizadas tanto em aplicações terapêuticas in vivo, como agentes de liberação controlada de princípios ativos, ex vivo, na extração de células cancerígenas do organismo, ou ainda in vitro, em diagnósticos. A necessidade de materiais inteligentes e biocompatíveis, como agentes de encapsulação destas partículas magnéticas, leva ao uso de polímeros sensíveis a estímulos. Em aplicações terapêuticas, esta tecnologia é baseada na localização das partículas através da aplicação de um campo magnético e na concentração da droga na área de interesse. Esta etapa é seguida pela liberação da droga, utilizando-se as propriedades sensíveis dos polímeros. Dessa forma, este trabalho de tese se dedica ao estudo da obtenção de nanopartículas constituídas de uma matriz polimérica sensível a estímulos e de partículas de óxido de ferro (?-Fe2O3 e Fe3O4). Inicialmente, nanogéis à base de poli(NVCL-co-AA) foram obtidos através do método de polimerização por precipitação. A Poli(Nvinilcaprolactama) (PNVCL) é um polímero termo-sensível, que possui temperatura crítica inferior de solubilização (LCST) próxima à temperatura fisiológica (35-38 ºC) e é conhecida, ainda, por possuir maior biocompatibilidade, em comparação a outros polímeros do gênero. O poli(ácido acrílico) (PAA), por sua vez, é um polímero que apresenta sensibilidade ao pH. Nesta etapa estudou-se a influência de alguns parâmetros de síntese nos diâmetros de partículas, na polidispersidade e na sensibilidade à temperatura dos nanogéis. A sensibilidade ao pH também foi estudada em função da concentração de ácido acrílico adicionado nas sínteses. Em seguida, realizou-se o estudo da encapsulação de nanopartículas magnéticas complexadas com dextrana em nanogéis de PNVCL, utilizando-se a técnica de polimerização em miniemulsão inversa. Os nanogéis magnéticos sensíveis à temperatura foram caracterizados quanto ao diâmetro de partículas (DP) e distribuição do diâmetro de partículas (DDP), pela técnica de espalhamento de luz. A sensibilidade à temperatura dos nanogéis magnéticos também foi estudada por espalhamento de luz, através de medidas de diâmetro de partículas em diferentes temperaturas. As medidas de magnetização foram obtidas em um magnetômetro de amostra vibrante (MAV). Análises de infra vermelho (FTIR) e de difratometria de raios X revelaram qualitativamente a encapsulação das nanopartículas magnéticas. A eficiência de incorporação das nanopartículas de óxido de ferro foi estudada através de análises termogravimétricas (TGA) e medidas de magnetização. As características morfológicas dos nanogéis magnéticos foram observadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM). / Polymeric particles with magnetic properties can be useful for in vivo therapeutic applications, as agents for controlled drug release, for ex vivo applications, as agents for the extraction of cancer cells, and finally, for the diagnosis in vitro. The search for biocompatible and smart materials as agents for the encapsulation of magnetic particles, leads to the use of stmuli-responsive polymers. In therapeutic applications, this technology is based on the localization and the concentration of the particles containing the drug in the area of interest by applying a magnetic field. This step is followed by the release of the drug, using the sensitive properties of the polymers. In this context, this thesis is devoted to the preparation of nanoparticles constituted by a stimuli-responsive polymer matrix and particles of iron oxide (?-Fe2O3 e Fe3O4). First of all, we performed the synthesis of poly(NVCL-co-AA)-based nanogels using the precipitation polymerization method. Poly(N-vinilcaprolactama) (PNVCL) is a thermo-responsive polymer which presents the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) near the physiological temperature (35-38 °C) and it is well known by its greater biocompatibility, in comparison with other themallysensitive polymers. On the other hand, the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is known by its sensibility to changes in the enviromental pH. In this stage, the influence of some synthesis parameters on the particles diameter, polydispersity and themally-sensitive behavior of the nanogels was evaluated. The pH-sensibility behavior was also studied as a function of the AA concentration in the synthesis. As a second step, the study of the incorporation of dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles in the PNVCL-based nanogels using the inverse miniemulsion polymerization was preformed. The thermo-responsive magnetic nanogels were characterized in terms of particles diameter (PD) and particles size distribution (PSD) using light scattering. The temperature sensitivity of the magnetic nanogels was also studied by light scattering, with measurements of particles diameter as a function of temperature. The magnetization measurements were obtained on a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Analysis of infra-red (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction revealed qualitatively the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles. The incorporation efficiency of iron oxide nanoparticles was studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and magnetic measurements. The morphological characteristics of the magnetic nanogels were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Polymer chain microstructure, including characteristics such as molecular weight and branch length, can impact the end-use properties of the polymer. The assumptions contained in deterministic models prevent examination of the structure of individual polymer chains, so removal of these assumptions is necessary to gain insight into molecular-level mechanisms that determine chain microstructure. The work presented here uses a combination of stochastic and deterministic models to examine two significant mechanistic issues in free radical polymerization. The zero-one assumption concerning the number of radicals is often made for miniemulsion polymerization using oil-soluble initiators because of accelerated termination due to radical confinement. Although most of the initiator is present inside the particles, opposing viewpoints exist as to whether the locus of radical generation is the particle phase or the aqueous phase. A well-mixed kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) model is used to simulate the molecular weight distribution and the results are compared to estimated molecular weights for several chain-stopping events, with the finding that the dominant nucleation mechanism varies with reaction temperature and particle size. Intramolecular chain transfer to polymer, or backbiting, is often assumed to produce only short-chain branches. Using a lattice KMC model, a cumulative distribution function (CDF) is obtained for branch lengths produced by backbiting. Implementation of the CDF in both a rate-equation model and the well-mixed KMC model shows that, for the butyl acrylate solution polymerization system used for comparison, backbiting is responsible for most of the branches, including long-chain branches, even though overlap of the polymer coils in the solution is predicted, a condition which would normally be expected to lead to significant intermolecular chain transfer to polymer. The well-mixed KMC model provides a more thorough analysis of chain microstructure while the rate-equation model is more computationally efficient.

Self-assembled monolayers and surface-initiated polymer, or polymer brushes, have attracted attention as they form dense layers with much higher structural order than bulk or solution polymers. Another field of research which has emerged over the last two decades is the field of organic and polymer electronics. In this field molecular order and surface modification are of major influence on the device performance, hence that both self-assembled monolayers as polymer brushes have been investigated to find applications in organic electronic devices. After an introduction into the field self-assembled monolayers, polymer brushes and organic electronics, the first part of this thesis focusses on three applications of surface modification techniques for applications in devices. Alignment of the active material is crucial for high mobilities in organic electronics. Chapter 2 discusses the synthesis of a liquid crystalline surface-initiated polymer and its application to induce strong homeotropic alignment. The alignment is homogeneous over large areas and can be patterned by combining the polymerization with soft lithographic techniques. Mobilities of organic electronic materials can also be strongly influenced by dopants in the material. In field-effect transistors the positioning of the dopant is thought to be crucial, as the conductance predominantly takes place in only a small channel near the dielectric interface. In chapter 3 dopant functionalized monolayers and polymer brushes are presented which enable the localized deposition of dopants in the channel of organic transistors. It is shown that the mobility of charges and hence the device performance is affected by the introduction of this dopant layer. Polymer brushes have been suggested for the fabrication of highly ordered semiconducting polymers. In chapter 4 the use of a thiophene functionalized polymer brush is shown, that can be used as a template for the subsequent growth of highly conjugated surface grafted polythiophene layers. Thick polythiophene layers are obtained, that are low in roughness and show photoluminescence and polychromism upon doping. The second part (chapter 5 and 6) of this thesis presents new techniques for surface polymerizations. It is attractive to investigate reduction of reactor volume for polymer brush growth. Chapter 5 discusses a method to achieve volume reduction by back-filling the superfluous volume with beads. It is found that this influences the polymerization kinetics significantly. The combined advantages of less volume and enhanced reaction speeds enable reduction of the total amount of monomer needed by up to 90%. Chapter 6 presents a controlled way to convert initiators for atom transfer radical polymerization into initiators for nitroxide mediated polymerization. In this way mixed polymer brushes and block co-polymer brushes become accessible. This combination makes it an attractive tool to fabricate complex polymer architectures. The technologies used in this thesis show that the synthesis of polymer brushes enable the fabrication of complex architectures without the wastes normally associated with surface-initiated polymers. Combined with several functionalized polymer brushes with properties that enhance order, influence mobility or serve as template for the growth of surface attached conjugated polymers this shows the high potential for the application of surface-initiated polymers in organic electronics.

Partículas poliméricas com propriedades magnéticas podem ser utilizadas tanto em aplicações terapêuticas in vivo, como agentes de liberação controlada de princípios ativos, ex vivo, na extração de células cancerígenas do organismo, ou ainda in vitro, em diagnósticos. A necessidade de materiais inteligentes e biocompatíveis, como agentes de encapsulação destas partículas magnéticas, leva ao uso de polímeros sensíveis a estímulos. Em aplicações terapêuticas, esta tecnologia é baseada na localização das partículas através da aplicação de um campo magnético e na concentração da droga na área de interesse. Esta etapa é seguida pela liberação da droga, utilizando-se as propriedades sensíveis dos polímeros. Dessa forma, este trabalho de tese se dedica ao estudo da obtenção de nanopartículas constituídas de uma matriz polimérica sensível a estímulos e de partículas de óxido de ferro (?-Fe2O3 e Fe3O4). Inicialmente, nanogéis à base de poli(NVCL-co-AA) foram obtidos através do método de polimerização por precipitação. A Poli(Nvinilcaprolactama) (PNVCL) é um polímero termo-sensível, que possui temperatura crítica inferior de solubilização (LCST) próxima à temperatura fisiológica (35-38 ºC) e é conhecida, ainda, por possuir maior biocompatibilidade, em comparação a outros polímeros do gênero. O poli(ácido acrílico) (PAA), por sua vez, é um polímero que apresenta sensibilidade ao pH. Nesta etapa estudou-se a influência de alguns parâmetros de síntese nos diâmetros de partículas, na polidispersidade e na sensibilidade à temperatura dos nanogéis. A sensibilidade ao pH também foi estudada em função da concentração de ácido acrílico adicionado nas sínteses. Em seguida, realizou-se o estudo da encapsulação de nanopartículas magnéticas complexadas com dextrana em nanogéis de PNVCL, utilizando-se a técnica de polimerização em miniemulsão inversa. Os nanogéis magnéticos sensíveis à temperatura foram caracterizados quanto ao diâmetro de partículas (DP) e distribuição do diâmetro de partículas (DDP), pela técnica de espalhamento de luz. A sensibilidade à temperatura dos nanogéis magnéticos também foi estudada por espalhamento de luz, através de medidas de diâmetro de partículas em diferentes temperaturas. As medidas de magnetização foram obtidas em um magnetômetro de amostra vibrante (MAV). Análises de infra vermelho (FTIR) e de difratometria de raios X revelaram qualitativamente a encapsulação das nanopartículas magnéticas. A eficiência de incorporação das nanopartículas de óxido de ferro foi estudada através de análises termogravimétricas (TGA) e medidas de magnetização. As características morfológicas dos nanogéis magnéticos foram observadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM). / Polymeric particles with magnetic properties can be useful for in vivo therapeutic applications, as agents for controlled drug release, for ex vivo applications, as agents for the extraction of cancer cells, and finally, for the diagnosis in vitro. The search for biocompatible and smart materials as agents for the encapsulation of magnetic particles, leads to the use of stmuli-responsive polymers. In therapeutic applications, this technology is based on the localization and the concentration of the particles containing the drug in the area of interest by applying a magnetic field. This step is followed by the release of the drug, using the sensitive properties of the polymers. In this context, this thesis is devoted to the preparation of nanoparticles constituted by a stimuli-responsive polymer matrix and particles of iron oxide (?-Fe2O3 e Fe3O4). First of all, we performed the synthesis of poly(NVCL-co-AA)-based nanogels using the precipitation polymerization method. Poly(N-vinilcaprolactama) (PNVCL) is a thermo-responsive polymer which presents the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) near the physiological temperature (35-38 °C) and it is well known by its greater biocompatibility, in comparison with other themallysensitive polymers. On the other hand, the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is known by its sensibility to changes in the enviromental pH. In this stage, the influence of some synthesis parameters on the particles diameter, polydispersity and themally-sensitive behavior of the nanogels was evaluated. The pH-sensibility behavior was also studied as a function of the AA concentration in the synthesis. As a second step, the study of the incorporation of dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles in the PNVCL-based nanogels using the inverse miniemulsion polymerization was preformed. The thermo-responsive magnetic nanogels were characterized in terms of particles diameter (PD) and particles size distribution (PSD) using light scattering. The temperature sensitivity of the magnetic nanogels was also studied by light scattering, with measurements of particles diameter as a function of temperature. The magnetization measurements were obtained on a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Analysis of infra-red (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction revealed qualitatively the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles. The incorporation efficiency of iron oxide nanoparticles was studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and magnetic measurements. The morphological characteristics of the magnetic nanogels were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

O objetivo do trabalho foi investigar múltiplos aspectos relacionados ao pré-aquecimento da resina composta anterior à fotoativação: o grau de conversão e a cinética da polimerização em função da temperatura de polimerização, tempo de fotoativação e profundidade; o desempenho da fonte aquecedora (temperatura máxima, estabilidade térmica do aparelho e variações de temperatura ao pré-aquecer compules) e aspectos clínicos (o efeito de ciclos de pré-aquecimento repetidos e prolongados sobre o grau de conversão, a variação da temperatura intrapulpar in vitro e a variação da temperatura in vivo ao usar resina composta pré-aquecida ou a temperatura ambiente. A conversão de monômeros e os parâmetros de cinética foram determinados através de FTIR-ATR. Os espécimes foram fotoativados por 5, 10, 20 ou 40s entre 3 o e 60 o C. Foram calculados o grau de conversão em tempo real, a taxa máxima de conversão, o tempo em que ocorreu a taxa máxima, e a conversão na taxa máxima. Os dados foram tratados por análise de variância, teste-t e análise de regressão (p ≤0,05). O desempenho do dispositivo aquecedor foi medido monitorando-se a mudança de temperatura em tempo real com o auxílio de um termopar tipo-k conectado a um conversor analógico-digital. Os termopares foram colocados no aquecedor e dentro de compules de compósito. Os dados foram analisados com teste t (p ≤0,05). Compules (n=5) foram submetidos a um dos ciclos térmicos: Pré-aquecimento repetido (da temperatura ambiente a 60 o C, por 10 vezes) ou Prolongado (24h a 60 o C). O grau de conversão foi medido 24h após os ciclos, com o compósito à temperatura ambiente, seguindo o protocolo descrito acima. Os dados foram tratados por análise de variância e teste de Tukey (p≤0,05). O aumento da temperatura intrapulpar foi medido por um termopar colocado na câmara pulpar de um prémolar contendo uma cavidade de Classe V (com 1mm de espessura de dentina remanescente). O preparo foi preenchido com compósito à temperatura ambiente ou pré-aquecido enquanto a temperatura intrapulpar era continuamente monitorada (n=5). Os dados foram comparados por análise de variância e teste de Tukey (p ≤0,05). Para a medida da variação de temperatura in vivo, foram feitos preparos cavitários de 2mm de profundidade em dentes posteriores de um indivíduo (n=3). Uma sonda que mensurava a temperatura foi introduzida no dente preparado em cada procedimento restaurador e durante a inserção da resina composta à temperatura ambiente ou pré-aquecida a 60°C. Os dados foram comparados com análise de variância e teste de Tukey (p ≤0,05). Os resultados indicaram que: 1) o pré-aquecimento da resina composta anterior à fotoativação aumenta o grau de conversão, reduz o tempo de fotoativação e resulta em maior taxa de conversão, sem alterar o tempo em que a taxa máxima ocorre; 2) tanto o dispositivo aquecedor quanto os compules atingiram temperaturas inferiores das determinadas pelo fabricante; ao remover o compósito do aquecedor a perda de calor é acentuada ; 3) o grau de conversão não foi afetado por ciclos repetidos e prolongados de pré-aquecimento da resina composta; 4) não houve aumento da temperatura intrapulpar ao serem comparadas as resinas composta à temperatura ambiente e pré-aquecida; 5) a medida da temperatura in vivo revelou que o compósito pré-aquecido a 60 o C fica somente 8 o C acima da temperatura intrabucal; a técnica de pré-aquecimento deve ser usada com cautela. / This work examined multiple aspects of pre-heating dental resin composite prior to light-curing: the monomer conversion and polymerization kinetics as a function of cure temperature, light-exposure duration and depth; the performance of the heating device (maximum temperature, thermal stability of device and temperature change when pre-heating compules); and clinically relevant issues (the effect of repeated and extended pre-heating cycles on conversion; in vitro intrapulpal temperature change and in vivo temperature change when using either room-temperature or pre-heated composite). Monomer conversion and kinetic parameters were determined using FTIR-ATR. Specimens were cured for 5, 10, 20 or 40s between 3 o and 60 o C. Real-time monomer conversion, maximum conversion rate, time into exposure when maximum rate occurred, and conversion at maximum rate were calculated. Data were analyzed using regression analysis, Student's t-tests, and ANOVA with appropriate post-hoc tests (alpha = 0.05). Performance of the heating device was measured by monitoring the real-time temperature change with a K-type thermocouple connected to an analog-to-digital converter. Thermocouples were placed both in the heater and inside composite compules. Data were analyzed using Student t-test (alpha = 0.05). Compules (n=5) were submitted to one of the temperatures cycles: Repeated (from room temperature to 60 o C, 10 times) or Extended pre-heating (24h at 60 o C). Monomer conversion was measured 24h after cycling, with composite at room temperature, following the protocol described above. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test (alpha = 0.05). Intrapulpal temperature rise was measured by placing a K-type thermocouple in the pulp chamber of a extracted, human premolar, which had a Class V preparation (1mm remaining dentin thickness). The preparation was filled using composite either at room-temperature, or pre-heated while continuously monitoring intrapulpal temperature (n=5). Data were compared using ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test (α =0.05). For measurement of temperature change in vivo, 2mm deep preparations were made on posterior teeth of a live human subject (n=3). Temperature values were recorded by placing a custom-made probe on the tooth preparation after each restorative procedure and during insertion of resin-composite at room temperature or pre-heated to 60°C. Data were compared using a 2-way ANOVA, and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test (α =0.05). Results indicated that: 1) pre-warming composite prior to polymerization results in greater conversion, requires shorter exposure duration, and enhances maximal rate of conversion without changing the time into the exposure when the maximum rate occurs; 2) either the heating device or the compules achieved lower temperatures than those stated by the manufacturer; composite temperature loss upon removal from the heater was dramatic; 3) neither repeated nor extended pre-heating of composites significantly affected monomer conversion values; 4) no increase in intrapulpal temperature values was observed when comparing room temperature and pre-heated composite; 5) temperature measurement in vivo revealed that composite pre-heated to 60°C attains only 8 o C above intraoral temperature upon delivery; thus, the composite pre-heating technique should be used with caution.

Resin composites are the most commonly used material in restorative dentistry. They have been used initially for aesthetical reasons, but afterwards were modified to be used widely for their good aesthetic and mechanical properties performance. They are classified as visco-elastic materials which are composed of inorganic fillers and organic matrix. The aim of this study was to investigate some handling properties of uncured resin composites such as stickiness, consistency and rheology. Also, to measure the degree of conversion and creep behaviour under static loading of some resin composites. In the pre-cure stage, their handling properties are very essential to achieve a successful dental restoration. Therefore, dental practitioners are very critical in choosing the resin composite restorative material. A texture analyser was used to measure the stickiness and consistency of some commercial resin composites. Also, the rheology of different commercial and model resin composites were investigated using the Bohlin Rheometer in two different temperatures (room and body temperature).Moreover, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to determine the degree of conversion of several bulk-fill resin composites (DC) at 4 mm depth at different periods during 24 h post-irradiation. Also, the visco-elastic stability of cured resin composites with different resin matrices was investigated under static load at different maturation times (1 h and 24 h).

Tato dizertační práce se zabývá studiem morfogeneze dimethakrylátových sítí. V práci byly využity zjednodušené systémy založené na monomerech, které bývají typicky využívány jako složky matric pryskyřičných kompozitních materiálů využívaných v oblasti záchovné stomatologie. Kinetika a mechanismy formování polymerních sítí byly studovány především s ohledem na strukturu jednotlivých monomerů, jejich vzájemný molární poměr a koncentraci iniciačního systému využitého pro radikálovou polymeraci. Vypočtené profily konverze funkčních skupin a reakčních rychlostí byly využity jako základ pro pochopení a interpretaci mechanismů morfogeneze sítí a porovnání se známými modely. Dále byla studována kinetika termické degradace, která je s morfologií vytvrzených sítí přímo spjata. V rámci takto charakterizovaných systémů byla stanovena teplotní závislost dynamického modulu a byl popsán vztah mezi supra-molekulární strukturou dimethakrylátových sítí a jejich viskoelastickou odezvou v daném teplotním rozmezí. Kinetika polymerace byla studována pomocí diferenční kompenzační foto-kalorimetrie (DPC) a infračervené spektroskopie (FTIR). Proces termické degradace byl analyzován pomocí termo-gravimetrické analýzy (TGA). Viskoelastické parametry byly charakterizovány pomocí dynamicko-mechanické analýzy (DMA). Reaktivita jednotlivých systémů je přímo odvozena od molekulární struktury monomerů, která ovlivňuje mobilitu reagujících složek v průběhu polymerace. Kinetika polymerace je řízena především difúzí, přičemž její rychlost je dána tuhostí monomerní páteře, koncentrací funkčních skupin a vlivem fyzikálních interakcí. Omezená mobilita rostoucích řetězců, postranních funkčních skupin i samotných monomerů vede k monomolekulární terminaci makro-radikálů a omezení stupně konverze funkčních skupin. Vzhledem k tomu, že k zásadnímu omezení mobility dochází již v počáteční fázi polymerace, tj. v bodu gelace, je případná termodynamická nestabilita vedoucí k fázové separaci polymerujícího systému potlačena a proces kopolymerace je ve své podstatě náhodný. To bylo prokázáno i prostřednictvím identifikace jedné teploty skelného přechodu u charakterizovaných kopolymerů. Heterogenní charakter morfogeneze je spjat s rozdílnou reaktivitou postranních funkčních skupin. V počátečních fázích polymerace dochází k propagaci reakcí postranní funkční skupiny s radikálem na stejném rostoucím řetězci, což vede ke vzniku tzv. primárního cyklu. Pravděpodobnost cyklizace souvisí především s flexibilitou monomerní páteře. Heterogenita polymerace je charakterizována vznikem vnitřně zesítěných struktur, tzv. mikrogelů, a jejich následným spojováním. Tuhost monomeru naopak přispívá k vyšší efektivitě zesítění a více homogenní morfologii vytvrzené sítě. Heterogenita dimethakrylátových sítí se odráží v mechanismu termické degradace, přičemž přítomnost strukturně odlišných domén vede k rozkladu ve dvou krocích. Průběh soufázového modulu a teplota skelného přechodu korelují s tuhostí polymerních sítí, efektivitou zesítění a přítomností fyzikálních interakcí, které vyztužují strukturu sítě nad rámec kovalentního zesítění. Heterogenní morfologie sítí se projevuje rozšiřováním spektra relaxačních časů. Experimentální data jsou v kvalitativní shodě s existujícími numerickými modely popisujícími kinetiku radikálové polymerace multifunkčních monomerů.