We present a systematic study of self-cross-linked microgels formed by precipitation polymerization of oligo ethylene glycol methacrylates. The cross-linking density of these microgels and, thus, the network flexibility can be easily tuned through the modulation of the reaction temperature during polymerization. Microgels prepared in absence of any difunctional monomer, i.e. cross-linker, show ...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of posterior, metal-free polymer crowns with and without a glass-fiber framework, in comparison to metal-ceramic crowns. METHODS After randomisation, 80 single crowns, manufactured from a newly designed polymer composite, were set in posterior teeth. Half of these received a glass-fiber framework, while half were prepar...

The thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior of a new kind of amphiphilic polymer without mesogens is reported. The existence and structure for the polymeric mesophase are confirmed and characterized by DSC, X-ray diffraction, optical polarized microscopy, and temperature-dependent FTIR. Due to strong interactions between pendent long alkyl chains, we conclude that some hydrophobic semirigid ro...