D. Chemistry of Synthetic Resins

D01. Classify the types of synthetic resins based on their thermal behavior and discuss their differences in relation to stability in organic solvents.

D02. Recognize and differentiate among the 11 ideal requisites of synthetic resins listed in the text and identify those related to aesthetic appearances (two requisites), performance in the oral environment (five requisites), biological considerations (two requisites), and fabrication (two requisites).

D03. Define the following terms: monomer, polymer, average molecular weight and number average molecular weight.

D04. Describe the importance of molecular weight on the physical properties of a polymer. Use softening temperature and tensile strength as examples.

D05. Describe the two classifications of step-growth (or condensation) polymerization using polysulfide impression material and polyurethane polymer as examples.

D06. Distinguish between condensation and addition polymerization based on the composition change and the requisites of polymerization.

D07. Use ethylene as an example to describe the following processes related to addition polymerization: activation, the four stages of polymerization, and inhibition.

D08. Define initiator and free radicals and describe three ways that a molecule can be activated.

D09. Discuss the influence of impurities and oxygen on addition polymerization and state the purpose and the influence of adding hydroquinone to the monomers.

D10. Define copolymer and discuss the benefit of copolymerization on polymer properties.

D11. Discuss the changes in physical properties due to cross-linking and describe any structural similarity between a cross-linked polymer and a thermoset polymer.

D12. Discuss the role of a plasticizer in a polymer and the requisites of an effective plasticizer.

D13. Briefly discuss how the molecules of a polymer are held together and explain why polymers do not have a high degree of crystallization (long-range ordering) except those with simple or no side groups.

D14. State the requisites of an elastomer.

D15. Identify the benefits of methacrylate base resins in dentistry, compared to other resins such as carbonates and urethanes; you may concentrate on the following areas: 1) polymerization condition, 2) softening temperature, and 3) stability in the oral environment.

D16. Describe how complex side chains and molecular weight distributions influence the overall physical properties of a polymer.

D17. Identify the spatial configuration of polymer chains and define linear polymer, branched polymer, and cross-linked polymer. Describe how these three structures may be formed.