Light‐curing of a sol–gel‐derived silicate‐based epoxy‐functional polymer nanocomposite material system

In an effort to explore the potential of certain types of polymer nanocomposites to be successful candidates as dental restoration/adhesion materials, a Ti‐ or Zr‐containing and organically modified silicate‐based material system with epoxy functionality was prepared by use of a sol–gel synthesis method, and ultraviolet light‐ and visible light (VL)‐curing processes. Comparative influences of certain synthesis/processing parameters on the properties of the system were detailed. It was shown that both Ti‐ and Zr‐containing species could play significant roles in determining the structure and hence the properties of the nanocomposites. VL‐curing was demonstrated to be a relatively advantageous process that could be employed in applications such as dental restoration/adhesion. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were shown to be promisingly high. Overall observations and results indicated a prospective opportunity for this material system to be utilized in dental restoration/adhesion applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1879–1887, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers