Synthesis and characterization of flowable bulk-fill composites using different modified polyurethane acrylates"

This thesis evaluated the development of a biodegradable, antibacterial Bulkfill dental composite and its mechanical and biological performance. The dental composite resin was synthesized in three stages. In the first stage, silanized hydroxyapatite and Chitosan/NaF microparticles were synthesized and analyzed for use in the inorganic phase to improve antibacterial and mechanical properties. In the second stage, a prepolymer of polyurethanes and acrylates (APUs) terminated with UV-curable acrylic, an organic matrix monomer, was synthesized and analyzed. The products obtained in both stages were verified by FTIR and DSC analyses. In the final stage, varying amounts of photoinitiators and accelerators were added to the synthesized organic and inorganic phases to obtain the Bulkfill composite material. The prepared dental composite materials were placed in a Teflon mold and polymerized using an LED light device. After polymerization, the samples were examined for their water absorption, water solubility, contact angle, and hydrophobic properties. Antibacterial activity, SEM images of surface morphology, mechanical properties, and curing depth analyses were performed. As a result, it was determined that the developed dental composites exhibited adequate antibacterial and mechanical properties, showed structural stability after contact with water, and could be a potential alternative material for dental applications.