Composite conversion and temperature rise using a conventional, plasma arc, and an experimental blue LED curing unit

J Oral Rehabil. 2002 Jul;29(7):662-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2842.2002.00866.x.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion and temperature rise in three different composite materials when illuminated by an experimental light source [blue superbright light emitting diodes (LEDs)] and compared with plasma light and traditional photopolymerization unit. The degree of conversion and temperature rise were measured using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and digital multimeter, respectively. The results revealed significantly higher degree of conversion values in case of conventional curing than with other two light sources whereas temperature rise was significantly lower when blue LEDs and plasma light were used. There were great differences in light intensities between blue LEDs of only 9 mW cm-2 compared with plasma light of 1370 mW cm-2 and Elipar II of 560 mW cm-2. Better match of LED spectral distribution peak to camphorquinone absorption distribution peak probably explains much lower intensities used for similar photopolymerization effect like in the case of rapid plasma lamp curing.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Composite Resins / chemistry*
  • Composite Resins / radiation effects
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Lighting / instrumentation*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polymers / radiation effects
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Temperature
  • Terpenes / chemistry
  • Terpenes / radiation effects

Substances

  • Composite Resins
  • Polymers
  • Terpenes
  • camphoroquinone