Laser interferometric technique for measuring polymer cure kinetics

Monitoring of Curing Process of Epoxy Resin by Long-Period Fiber Gratings

The curing of epoxy resin is a complex thermo-chemical process that is difficult to monitor using existing sensing systems. We monitored the curing process of an epoxy resin by using long-period fiber gratings. The refractive index of the epoxy resin increases during the curing process and can be measured to determine the degree of curing. We employed long-period fiber gratings that are sensitive to the refractive index of an external medium for the measurement of refractive index changes in the resin. We observed that the resonances of long-period fiber gratings increased their depth with the increased refractive index of the resin, which was well described by our simulation taking the coupling to radiation modes into account. We demonstrated that the degree of cure can be estimated from the depth of the grating resonances using a phenomenological model. At the same time, long-period fiber gratings are sensitive to temperature variations and internal strains that are induced during curing. These factors may affect the measurements of curing degree and should also be addressed.

Laser interferometric method for measuring linear polymerization shrinkage in light cured dental restoratives

OBJECTIVE

A novel laser interferometric method for monitoring linear polymerization shrinkage in dental restoratives is demonstrated.

METHODS

The experimental apparatus consists of a low power Helium-Neon laser, a home-built Michelson interferometer, amplified photodiode detectors, and a computer data acquisition system. The feasibility of using interferometry to measure linear shrinkage was evaluated by measuring the percent linear contraction in five commercially available light cured restorative systems.

RESULTS

Five-min interferometric curing profiles were collected for each restorative using a 400 mW/cm2 curing light irradiance. The 'interferograms' were converted into percent linear contraction profiles that revealed the relative kinetics of material shrinkage. The overall percent linear contraction after 5 min compares favorably with literature data for the five commercial restoratives studied here.

SIGNIFICANCE

Interferometry offers several advantages over conventional methods of measuring polymerization contraction. These advantages include the inherent sensitivity and accuracy offered by interferometric measurements; the instrument does not need to be calibrated since the wavelength of the laser light source provides an accurate length standard. Also, the ability to collect data at high acquisition rates allows for the real-time characterization of unusually fast photopolymerization reactions. The low cost and relative ease of use associated with the apparatus are also advantageous.