Tensometer for simultaneously evaluating polymerization stresses, shrinkage and modulus development

摘要

The present invention relates to apparatus and method for evaluating the development of PS during polymerization of dental restorative composites, which includes using a tensometer for measuring deflection of a calibrated cantilever beam induced by PS and calculating PS from the measured deflection. A tensometer according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to quantify PS at varying beam locations and heights, and determine trend in PS development as a function of beam length. More importantly, in the present invention, the development of polymerization shrinkage and the elastic modulus can be simultaneously obtained in real time.

主权项

1. A method for determining the development of polymeric shrinkage during polymer material curing, the method comprising:
curing a first sample of the polymeric material having a predetermined length, wherein the first sample of the polymeric material is coupled to a cantilever beam at first predetermined position; measuring deflection of the cantilever beat at predetermined time intervals until the polymeric material curing is complete; coupling a second sample of the polymeric material having the predetermined length to the cantilever beam at a second predetermined position; curing the second sample of the polymeric material; measuring deflection of the cantilever beam at the predetermined time intervals until the second sample of the polymeric material curing is complete; and determining linear shrinkage and elastic modulus of the polymeric material at the predetermined time intervals.