HEMA
Pronunciation: HEE-mah
Also written as: HEMA — 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate
2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate; a hydrophilic monomer used in dental adhesive systems to promote resin infiltration into moist dentinal surfaces.
Full Definition
HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is a small, highly hydrophilic monomer that serves as a key component of dentine adhesive systems. Its affinity for water allows it to penetrate the water-saturated collagen network of etched dentine, acting as a co-solvent and coupling agent. However, its hygroscopic nature also contributes to water sorption and potential hydrolytic degradation of the adhesive layer over time. In clinical manuscripts, editors should note that HEMA is abbreviated in all capitals and expanded on first use. It is commonly confused with HEMA-free formulations, which some manufacturers promote for biocompatibility reasons.
Usage
Usage note: Expand as '2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)' on first use. When authors describe 'HEMA-free' products, retain the hyphen. Do not confuse HEMA the monomer with HEMA the contact lens material context.
In Context
- "The adhesive contained HEMA as its principal hydrophilic monomer to facilitate bonding to moist dentine." — Results section, bonding study
- "The author's first use of HEMA lacked its full chemical name; the editor inserted '2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate' in parentheses." — Manuscript revision note