Monomer
Pronunciation: MON-oh-mer
A small, reactive molecule that polymerises with other monomers to form the polymer matrix of a dental material such as a resin composite or adhesive.
Full Definition
In dental materials science, a monomer is the fundamental chemical building block of resin-based systems. When activated by light, heat, or chemical initiators, monomers undergo chain-reaction polymerisation to form a cross-linked polymer network. Common dental monomers include Bis-GMA, UDMA, HEMA, and TEGDMA. Editors must distinguish the singular monomer from the resulting polymer matrix. Incorrect use of 'monomer' to describe the cured material is a frequent editorial error in clinical manuscripts.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'monomer' to describe the cured or set resin; use 'polymer' or 'resin matrix' for the post-cure state. In formulations, distinguish between base monomer and diluent monomer.
In Context
- "The study measured residual monomer release from the cured composite into simulated saliva over 24 hours." — Journal abstract, dental materials research
- "Editors should verify that the manuscript consistently distinguishes between the uncured monomer blend and the set polymer network." — Copy-editing guidance note