Influence of light-curing procedures and photo-initiator/co-initiator composition on the degree of conversion of light-curing resins

Objective: The hypothesis that the degree and rate of conversion can be modified favourably by using different light-curing procedures and different photo initiator/co-initiator combinations was tested. Method: A photo-initiator (0.02 mM/g resin); either camphorquinone (CQ) or 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione (PPD), was mixed with bisGMA:TEGDMA (50:50 by weight). In addition, a co-initiator (0.04 mM/g resin); either N,N-dimethyl-p-aminobenzoic acid ethylester (DABE), N,N-cyanoethy[methylaniline (CEMA), or 2-climethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), was added. These six combinations were subjected to three curing conditions (standard curing, soft-start curing or LED curing). The conversion levels (DC) were determined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC results were analysed using a general linear model (GLM) and Duncan's multiple range test and regular t-test. Results: The fastest conversion initially was obtained by standard curing, followed by LED curing and soft-start curing. After 40 s of curing, conventional curing and soft-start curing produced a higher DC than LED curing. However, strong interactions occurred between the different variables (curing method, initiator and co-initiator). Initially, CQ was more efficient than PPD, but after 40 s, this difference was insignificant. Conclusion: By using soft-start curing and an appropriate photo initiator/co-initiator combination it is possible to achieve slow curing and a high DC at within a curing time of 40 s. (C) 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.