Study on a Novel Dental Composite Resin with Fluorinated Polyurethane Monomer and Modified Polyether Ether Ketone Fillers.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Traditional dental composite resins faced persistent challenges regarding biofilm accumulation and hydrolytic degradation. This study aimed to develop a novel resin monomer fluorinated polyurethane dimethacrylate (FPUDMA) and surface-modified polyether ether ketone (PEEK) fillers to enhance the comprehensive performance of composite resins.

METHODS

FPUDMA was synthesized via solution polymerization, while PEEK was hydroxylated and grafted with KH570 to introduce C=C bonds. Experimental composite resins were formulated with varying concentrations of PEEK-C=C at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% by weight. Key properties evaluated included degree of conversion, depth of curing, water sorption/solubility, mechanical properties (before/after aging), polishability, initial bacterial adhesion, and cytocompatibility.

RESULTS

FPUDMA and PEEK-C=C were confirmed by FTIR, NMR, and XPS. Increasing PEEK-C=C content reduced the degree of conversion and curing depth, but all values met ISO standards. There was no significant difference in water absorption/solubility among the groups. As the increase of PEEK-C=C content, the flexural strength, elastic modulus, and surface hardness significantly increased, but decreased at 7.5% group, whether before or after aging (P<0.05). All groups exhibited favorable polishing performance and cytocompatibility (cell viability >90%). The FPUDMA monomer could still maintain anti-bacterial adhesion properties when incorporated into the resin.

CONCLUSION

The novel composite resin with FPUDMA and 5 wt% PEEK-C=C fillers demonstrated optimized mechanical properties, acceptable polymerization characteristics, resistance to bacterial adhesion, and favorable biocompatibility.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These improvements are expected to mitigate degradation at the tooth-restoration interface, thereby reducing the risk of secondary caries and restoration fracture. Consequently, the novel resin represents a clinically viable option for durable dental restorations.