Polymerisation Initiator
Pronunciation: pol-im-er-ih-ZAY-shun ih-NIH-shee-ay-ter
A chemical agent that triggers the chain reaction converting monomer molecules into a polymer network in dental resin materials.
Full Definition
A polymerisation initiator is a chemical compound that, when activated by light, heat, or chemical means, generates free radicals that begin the cross-linking of monomer units into a solid polymer network. In dental materials, initiators are classified as photoinitiators (light-activated), redox initiators (self-cure), or dual-cure systems. The choice of initiator system directly affects working time, depth of cure, and residual monomer levels. Editors should distinguish this term from 'photoinitiator,' which refers only to the light-activated subset. Accurate use is critical when editing materials science manuscripts and product monographs.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with 'accelerator,' which speeds up an already initiated reaction rather than starting it. Ensure authors distinguish 'initiator system' from individual initiator components.
In Context
- "The manuscript incorrectly described camphorquinone as the sole polymerisation initiator when the material employed a dual-cure redox system." — Peer-review editorial report
- "Authors must specify whether the polymerisation initiator is heat-activated or chemically activated when describing self-cure resins." — Journal style guide note