Curable resinous composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

0001This invention relates to a curable resinous composition. More particularly, it provides a novel curable resinous composition incorporating an inorganic filler surface-treated with an organophosphorus compound.

0002The term "curable resinous composition" as used herein means a composition including, as essential components thereof, an inorganic filler and a polymerizable monomer.

0003The present curable resinous composition may be used as a material for industrial use and as a biological hard tissue material. As examples of such materials, there may be mentioned molding compositions, composite resins for dental use (filling and restoration materials, materials for making inlays, artifical crowns, artificial teeth, and abutment construction materials), dental adhesives, denture base materials, impression materials, artifical bones and bone cements.

Description of the Prior Art

0004Recently, in the field of dental care, compositions containing an inorganic filler and a polymerizable monomer as essential components, for example composite resins for dental use, have come into use. The inorganic fillers to be used in composite resins for dental use are generally subjected to preliminary surface treatment. The surface treatment improves the wettability as the filler-polymerizable monomer interface, makes it possible to increase the filler content and improves the dispersibility of the filler in the composition.

0005As a result, the composite resin moldings obtained by polymerization of the monomer have improved mechanical strength owing to good adhesion at the filler-resin interface. Known in the art as surface treating agents used for such purposes are silane coupling agents, typically y-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane.

0006More broadly, in the industrial field, there are known, as other surface treating agents for inorganic fillers, titanate coupling agents, zircoaluminate type coupling agents, higher alkyl alcohols, higher fatty acids, organophosphate esters, and so forth. Among these, the organophosphate esters are related to the present invention and therefore are summarized below.

0007Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-3431 discloses inorganic fillers surface-treated with organophosphate esters of the formula <chemistry id="chem0001" num="0001"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0001.tif" /></chemistry>wherein R₁ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and R₂ is an alkylene group containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms or a halogen-substituted derivative thereof, a polyoxyethylene group of the following formula -CH₂-CH₂-(O-CH₂-CH₂)n - (n = 1 to 20) or a polyoxypropylene group of the following formula <chemistry id="chem0002" num="0002"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0002.tif" /></chemistry>

0008Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Kokai No. 59-170131 discloses inorganic powders surface-treated with one or more organophosphorus compounds of the general formula <chemistry id="chem0003" num="0003"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0003.tif" /></chemistry>wherein R and R' are the same or different and each is an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkoxy, alkenoxy or aryloxy group containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms or a group derived from such a group by substitution.

0009In addition, Japanese Laid-open Patent Applications Kokai Nos. 56-54795, 57-128728, 57-168954 and 57-198735, describe similar technical ideas.

0010These known resinous compositions for industrial use comprise a polymer and a surface-treated inorganic filler. Since the polymer has no or few reactive groups, the possibility that the polymer may be bound chemically to the surface-treating agent to a high degree is small and therefore only limited improvements in mechanical properties can be produced. Accordingly, resinous compositions in which the resin is bound to the surface-treating agent to a high degree and which can give good mechanical properties are highly desirable.

0011Furthermore, compositions for dental use to which an aspect of the present invention is directed are required to have water resistance, which is a very important property since cured moldings from said compositions are to be used in the oral cavity for a prolonged period of time. Accordingly, resinous compositions of good water resistance are also desired.

0012The above-cited prior art references make no mention of any improvement in water resistance of the respective resinous compositions or of the applicability of the compositions in dentistry. It is impossible to anticipate from said references that the known organophosphorus compounds might be effective in achieving the aims of the invention which are to be mentioned later herein.

0013Inorganic fillers in conventional resinous compositions, especially those for dental use, mostly have a high silicon content (for example, silica and silica-based glasses). Only in very rare cases, inorganic fillers containing a metal or a metal oxide or salt as a main constituent thereof have been put to practical use in resinous compositions.

0014The main reason why such metal-containing inorganic fillers have not been used positively in resinous compositions, is that the technology for surface treatment of such fillers has not been established. The surface treatment effect of known silane-or titanium-containing surface-treating agents on these inorganic fillers, is not so remarkable as the effect when such agents are applied to silica. Therefore, resinous compositions containing large amounts of these fillers treated with known surface-treating agents have disadvantages such as decreases in strength (in particular under wet conditions) or dislodgement of filler due to insufficient bonding at the resin-inorganic filler interface.

0015However, it can be expected that the use of the abovementioned metals, metal oxides or metal salts as inorganic fillers might give resinous compositions having more favorable characteristics as compared with the conventional silica-containing compositions.

0016For instance, replacement of silica with a metal oxide such as alumina or zirconia can be expected to give composite resins for dental use which have an aesthetic appearance, good mechanical strength and good chemical stability. Furthermore incorporation of a filler close in properties to a natural tooth, such as hydroxyapatite, can be expected to provide dental adhesives having good biocompatibility. The use of a metal filler makes it possible to develop new types of composites for dental use which have ductility and toughness. In view of the foregoing, we have sought a surface treatment technology effectively applicable to the metal-containing inorganic fillers such as mentioned above.

0017Accordingly, it is an aim of the invention to provide a resinous composition which contains a surface-treated, metal-containing inorganic filler and a monomer capable of radical polymerization, to thereby substantially improve the properties of the resinous compositions.

0018In accordance with the invention, resinous compositions having superior properties to the conventional silica-containing resinous compositions may be obtained.

0019Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, resin moldings having good mechanical properties can be obtained since the surface-treating agent can chemically bind the monomer to the filler to a high degree. The resinous compositions according to the invention are preferably used as compositions for dental use and, in the following description, the invention is described with particular reference to compositions for dental use. It is to be noted, however, that the range of applicability of the resinous compositions according to the invention is not limited to the field of dentistry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0020As a result of their intensive investigations made in an attempt to solve the above problems, the present inventors found that organophosphorus compounds having a specific molecular structure can serve as very effective surface-treating agents for metal-containing inorganic fillers.

0021Thus, the resinous composition provided by the present invention is a curable resinous composition which comprises: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li>(a) a metal-containing inorganic filler preliminarily treated with an oxo acid of pentavalent phosphorus or a derivative thereof, which has the general formula <chemistry id="chem0004" num="0004"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0004.tif" /></chemistry>wherein A₁ is an organic group having at least one ethylenic double bond capable of radical polymerization and containing 5 to 60 carbon atoms, A₂ is a hydroxyl or mercapto group, a halogen atom or an organic group containing 1 to 60 carbon atoms, at least one of A₁ and A₂ contains at least one hydrocarbyl group containing 4 to 60 carbon atoms, X₁ is an oxygen or sulfur atom and X₂ is a hydroxyl or mercapto group or a halogen atom, and</li><li>(b) at least one monomer capable of radical polymerization which is selected from methacrylates and acrylates.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0022The inorganic filler to be used in the resinous composition according to the invention is characterized in that it contains a metal as a component thereof. Said metal includes elements positioned to the left of the line connecting boron and astatine in the long-period Periodic Table, with the exclusion of hydrogen and the elements positioned on said line, namely B, Si, As, Te and At. Among such elements, Al, Mg, Ca, Ti, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Zr, Pd, Hg, Sn, Ba, Pt, Au and La, for instance, are particularly useful in achieving the aims of the invention.

0023The metal can take various forms in the inorganic filler. For example, it may be contained in said filler in the form of an oxide such as A1₂0₃, ZnO, CaO, Ti0₂, Zr0₂, La203, BaO, Fe₂O₃ or Sr0₂, a hydroxide, such as AI(OH)₃, a halide, such as CaF₂, a sulfate, such as BaS0₄ or CaS0₄, a carbonate, such as CaC0₃, a phosphate, such as CaHP0₄, Ca(H₂P0₄)₂, Ca₃(P0₄)₂, Ca₂P₂0₇, Ca(P0₃)₂, Ca₄P₂0₉, Mg₂P₄0₁₂, Al(PO₃)₂ or AIP0₄, or the like salt.

0024Such metal compound may occur, in the inorganic filler, either as a single component or as a constituent of a multicomponent system, such as a ceramic or a mineral. In a multicomponent system, the system can of course contain a plurality of metals and further can contain components other than metals, for example Si0₂, P₂0₅, B₂0₃, Si₃N₄, SiC, B₄C and BN. As examples of such system, there may be mentioned K₂O•TiO₂, BaO·TiO₂, CaO.Al₂O₃, zircon (the Si0₂-Zr0₂ system), sialon (the Si0₂-AI₂0₃-Si₃N₄ system), La-glass ceramics (the La₂0₃-AI₂0₃-Si0₂ system; e.g. Shott GM 31-684®), Ba-glasses (the BaO-Al₂O₃-B₂O₃-SiO₂ system; e.g. Shott GM 27-884®, Shott 8235⁰, Ray-Sorb T-2000®, Ray-Sorb T-3000®), Sr-glasses (the Sr0₂-AI₂0₃-SiO₂ system; e.g. Shott GM 32-087©, Ray-Sorb T-4000⁹) and, further, the so-called bioglasses, for example various CaO-P₂0s-containing glass ceramics and hydroxyapatite. Furthermore, in addition to such forms as mentioned above, metal powders as such may also be used as fillers and, in this case, metals are used as simple substances or in the form of alloys.

0025In any of the fillers mentioned above, it is essential that the inorganic filler should be substantially insoluble in water, since the resinous composition includes dental applications in which it is used under very wet conditions. The term "substantially insoluble in water" as used herein means that the inorganic filler has a saturated concentration of 0.1% by weight or less in water at room temperature.

0026The inorganic filler may have any form or shape without any limitation. Various sizes and forms, such as spherical, crushed, needle-like, whisker and platelet forms, may be used depending on the intended use of the composition. The particle size of the inorganic filler is not critical but, generally, a size within the range of 5 nm to 0.5 mm is preferred. The "particle size" as so called herein is expressed in terms of a mean of the maximum diameter and the minimum diameter of the filler.

0027A feature of the invention lies in that the above filler is used after preliminary surface treatment with an oxo acid of pentavalent phosphorus or a derivative thereof, which is represented by the general formula (1) and hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "organophosphorus compound". [Hereinafter, the inorganic filler in the untreated state is sometimes referred to as "inorganic filler (A)".]

0028As particular examples of the "ethylenic double bond capable of radical polymerization", which constitutes a group in the above-mentioned organophosphorus compound (1), there may be mentioned the following: <chemistry id="chem0005" num="0005"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0005.tif" /></chemistry>(Z₁being a halogen atom), <chemistry id="chem0006" num="0006"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0006.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0007" num="0007"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0007.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0008" num="0008"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0008.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0009" num="0009"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0009.tif" /></chemistry>Among such ethylenic double bonds, the ethylenic double bond of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or styrene is particularly preferred. When inorganic filler (A) is treated with an organophosphorus compound which is the same as the organophosphorus compound (1) except for the absence of the above-mentioned double bond, the adhesion between filler and resin matrix becomes very poor and accordingly the aims of the invention can never be accomplished.

0029The term "organic group" as used herein includes: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li>[a] a hydrocarbyl group which may optionally have one or more substituents selected from halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, mercapto, cyano, phosphono and -O-P(O) (OH)₂ groups,</li><li>[b] groups resulting from coupling of at least one of the above-mentioned hydrocarbyl groups to at least one ot the touowing iinKing groups: <chemistry id="chem0010" num="0010"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0010.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0011" num="0011"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0011.tif" /></chemistry>and complex linking groups resulting from coupling of at least two such linking groups.</li></ul>

0030The following typical examples will serve for more detailed illustration. Examples of the hydrocarbyl groups [a]: <chemistry id="chem0012" num="0012"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0012.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0013" num="0013"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0013.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0014" num="0014"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0014.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0015" num="0015"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0015.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0016" num="0016"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0016.tif" /></chemistry>

0031Examples of the groups [b] derived from at least one hydrocarbyl group [a] and at least one linking group: <chemistry id="chem0017" num="0017"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0017.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0018" num="0018"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0018.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0019" num="0019"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0019.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0020" num="0020"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0020.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0021" num="0021"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0021.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0022" num="0022"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0022.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0023" num="0023"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0023.tif" /></chemistry>

0032The hydrocarbyl groups having 4 to 60 carbon atoms, which may be contained in at least one of the organic groups A₁ and A₂ of said formula (1) are the same groups as mentioned above under [a]. Structures resulting from substitution of said hydrocarbyl group with three or more hydrophilic substituents, such as hydroxyl, carboxy, phosphono and -O-P(O) (OH)₂ groups, however, are disadvantageous in achieving the aims of the invention since such hydrophilic substituents decrease the hydrophobicity of the hydrocarbyl group. When said hydrocarbyl group contains less than 4 carbon atoms, the resulting resinous composition may often have unsatisfactory water resistance. When the number of carbon atoms in question is not less than 4, preferably not less than 5, the water resistance attains a level satisfactory for dental applications. In particular, when the number of carbon atoms is not less than 8, good water resistance is obtained.

0033The number of carbon atoms in A₁ has an influence on the effects of surface treatment. When the number of carbon atoms is within the range of 5 to 60, the effects of surface treatment are such that desirable physical properties required for dental use can be obtained. When A₂ is an organic group, the number of carbon atoms in A₂ also have an influence on the effects of surface treatment and should preferably be not more than 60. Among the organophosphorus compounds of general formula (1), those compounds mentioned below are particularly preferred in view of their reactivity with inorganic fillers, copolymerizability with polymerizable monomers (b) and ease of synthesis.

0034(i) Compounds of general formula (1) wherein A₁ is a univalent organic group of the general formula <chemistry id="chem0024" num="0024"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0024.tif" /></chemistry>in which R₁ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R₂ is an organic group which contains 4 to 40 carbon atoms in all, contains at least one hydrocarbyl group having 4 to 40 carbon atoms, has a valence of (m+1) and is bound to each of the Yi and Y₂ groups with a carbon atom contained therein, Yi is -COO-, -COS- or -CONR₃-(R₃ being a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms), Y₂ is an oxygen or sulfur atom or >NR₃ (R₃ being as defined above), m is an integer of 1 to 4 and k is 0 or 1 and wherein A₂ is a hydroxyl or mercapto group or a halogen atom.

0035Preferred among the compounds (i) mentioned above are those compounds in which Xi is an oxygen atom and X₂ and A₂ each is a hydroxyl group. The group consisting of these compounds is hereinafter referred to as "group (i)-a". <chemistry id="chem0025" num="0025"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0025.tif" /></chemistry>

0036The organophosphorus compounds (i)-a are most effective in treating base metal-containing inorganic fillers. As examples of a base metal, there may be mentioned Al, Mg, Ca, Ti, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Zr, Sn, Ba, La and Cr. Said group (i)-a compounds are particularly effective in treating such metal oxides as Al₂O₃, Ti0₂, Zr0₂, Fe₂O₃ and ZnO, such metal salts as CaCOs, Ca₃(P0₄)₂ and AIP0₄, hydroxyapatite, and metal powders containing Ti, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Cu or Zn.

0037Specific examples of the group (i)-a compounds are as follows: <chemistry id="chem0026" num="0026"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0026.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0027" num="0027"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0027.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0028" num="0028"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0028.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0029" num="0029"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0029.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0030" num="0030"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0030.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0031" num="0031"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0031.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0032" num="0032"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0032.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0033" num="0033"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0033.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0034" num="0034"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0034.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0035" num="0035"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0035.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0036" num="0036"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0036.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0037" num="0037"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0037.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0038" num="0038"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0038.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0039" num="0039"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0039.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0040" num="0040"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0040.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0041" num="0041"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0041.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0042" num="0042"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0042.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0043" num="0043"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0043.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0044" num="0044"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0044.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0045" num="0045"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0045.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0046" num="0046"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0046.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0047" num="0047"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0047.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0048" num="0048"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0048.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0049" num="0049"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0049.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0050" num="0050"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0050.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0051" num="0051"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0051.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0052" num="0052"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0052.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0053" num="0053"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0053.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0054" num="0054"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0054.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0055" num="0055"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0055.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0056" num="0056"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0056.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0057" num="0057"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0057.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0058" num="0058"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0058.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0059" num="0059"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0059.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0060" num="0060"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0060.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0061" num="0061"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0061.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0062" num="0062"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0062.tif" /></chemistry>

0038Another preferred group of compounds, group (i)-b, includes those compounds (i) mentioned above in which, in general formula (1), Xi is an oxygen atom and A₂ and X₂ each is a halogen atom, such as chlorine, bromine, fluorine or iodine. When the halogen is chlorine, said compounds may be represented by the general formula <chemistry id="chem0063" num="0063"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0063.tif" /></chemistry>

0039Typical examples of such compounds are as follows: <chemistry id="chem0064" num="0064"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0064.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0065" num="0065"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0065.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0066" num="0066"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0066.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0067" num="0067"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0067.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0068" num="0068"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0068.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0069" num="0069"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0069.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0070" num="0070"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0070.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0071" num="0071"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0071.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0072" num="0072"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0072.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0073" num="0073"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0073.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0074" num="0074"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0074.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0075" num="0075"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0075.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0076" num="0076"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0076.tif" /></chemistry>

0040A third group of preferred compounds, group (i)-c, includes those compounds (i) mentioned above in which, in general formula (1), X₁ is a sulfur atom and A₂ and X₂ each is a hydroxyl or mercapto group or a halogen atom. <chemistry id="chem0077" num="0077"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0077.tif" /></chemistry>

0041The group (i)-c organophosphorus compounds produce good effects in the surface treatment of not only base metal-containing inorganic fillers but also noble metal-containing inorganic fillers. As examples of a noble metal, there may be mentioned Pd, Ag, Pt and Au. Examples of the -P(S)A₂X₂ group are <chemistry id="chem0078" num="0078"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0078.tif" /></chemistry>

0042Among the above examples, <chemistry id="chem0079" num="0079"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0079.tif" /></chemistry>has the tautomeric form <chemistry id="chem0080" num="0080"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0080.tif" /></chemistry>can occur in the tautomeric form <chemistry id="chem0081" num="0081"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0081.tif" /></chemistry>

0043Specific examples of the (i)-c group compounds are as follows: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none"><li>as follows: <chemistry id="chem0082" num="0082"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0082.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0083" num="0083"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0083.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0084" num="0084"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0084.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0085" num="0085"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0085.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0086" num="0086"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0086.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0087" num="0087"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0087.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0088" num="0088"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0088.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0089" num="0089"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0089.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0090" num="0090"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0090.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0091" num="0091"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0091.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0092" num="0092"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0092.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0093" num="0093"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0093.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0094" num="0094"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0094.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0095" num="0095"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0095.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0096" num="0096"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0096.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0097" num="0097"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0097.tif" /></chemistry></li></ul><chemistry id="chem0098" num="0098"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0098.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0099" num="0099"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0099.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0100" num="0100"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0100.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0101" num="0101"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0101.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0102" num="0102"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0102.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0103" num="0103"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0103.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0104" num="0104"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0104.tif" /></chemistry>

0044Also of value in the practice of the invention are the following compounds: <ul id="ul0004" list-style="none"><li>(ii) Compounds of general formula (1) wherein A₁ is a univalent organic group of the general formula <chemistry id="chem0105" num="0105"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0105.tif" /></chemistry>in which R₁, R₂, Y₁, Y₂, m and k are as defined hereinabove in relation to the compounds (i) and wherein A₂ is a univalent organic group of the general formula <chemistry id="chem0106" num="0106"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0106.tif" /></chemistry>in which R₁' is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R₂' is an organic group which contains 1 to 40 carbon atoms, has a valence of (j+1) and is bound to each of the Y₁' and Y₂' groups via a carbon atom contained therein, Y₁' is -COO-, -COS- or-CONR₃'- (R₃'being a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms), Y₂' is an oxygen or sulfur atom or >NR'₃ (R₃' being as defined above), j is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4 and ℓ is 0 or 1.</li></ul>

0045Among the compounds (ii) mentioned above, those in which, in general formula (1), X₁ is an oxygen atom and X₂ is a hydroxyl group constitute a preferred group [hereinafter, group (ii)-a]. <chemistry id="chem0107" num="0107"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0107.tif" /></chemistry>

0046The organophosphorus compounds of group (ii)-a are also effective in treating base metal-containing inorganic fillers as mentioned in connection with organophosphorus compounds (i)-a.

0047Typical examples of the compounds (ii)-a are as follows: <chemistry id="chem0108" num="0108"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0108.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0109" num="0109"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0109.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0110" num="0110"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0110.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0111" num="0111"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0111.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0112" num="0112"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0112.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0113" num="0113"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0113.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0114" num="0114"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0114.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0115" num="0115"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0115.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0116" num="0116"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0116.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0117" num="0117"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0117.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0118" num="0118"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0118.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0119" num="0119"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0119.tif" /></chemistry>

0048Another group [hereinafter, group (ii)-b] of preferred compounds among the compounds (ii) mentioned above includes those compounds (ii) in which X₁ is an oxygen atom and X₂ is a halogen atom, such as chlorine, bromine, fluorine or iodine.

0049When the halogen atom is chlorine, such preferred compounds may be represented by the structural formula: <chemistry id="chem0120" num="0120"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0120.tif" /></chemistry>

0050The organophosphorus compounds (ii)-b, which correspond to derivatives of the compounds (ii)-a wherein a hydroxyl group X₂ is replaced by a chlorine atom, are comparable in surface treatment effects to the compounds (ii)-a. There is the same relationship between the groups (i)-b and (i)-a.

0051Typical examples of the compounds (ii)-b are as follows: <chemistry id="chem0121" num="0121"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0121.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0122" num="0122"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0122.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0123" num="0123"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0123.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0124" num="0124"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0124.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0125" num="0125"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0125.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0126" num="0126"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0126.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0127" num="0127"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0127.tif" /></chemistry>

0052Among the compounds (ii), those in which Xi is S and X₂ is a hydroxyl or mercapto group or a halogen atom are hereinafter referred to as compounds (ii)-c. <chemistry id="chem0128" num="0128"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0128.tif" /></chemistry>

0053Like the organophosphorus compounds (i)-c, the compounds (ii)-c are effective in treating base metal-or noble metal-containing inorganic fillers. The compounds (ii)-c can be synthesized more readily and have higher stability than the compounds (i)-c and therefore can be utilized more advantageously.

0054Typical examples of the >P(S)X₂ group in compounds (ii)-c are as follows: <chemistry id="chem0129" num="0129"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0129.tif" /></chemistry>

0055Typical examples of the compounds (ii)-c are as follows: <chemistry id="chem0130" num="0130"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0130.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0131" num="0131"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0131.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0132" num="0132"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0132.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0133" num="0133"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0133.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0134" num="0134"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0134.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0135" num="0135"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0135.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0136" num="0136"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0136.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0137" num="0137"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0137.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0138" num="0138"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0138.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0139" num="0139"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0139.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0140" num="0140"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0140.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0141" num="0141"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0141.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0142" num="0142"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0142.tif" /></chemistry>

0056Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the following, group (iii), organophosphorus compounds can be used as well.

0057(iii) Compounds of general formula (1) wherein A₁ is a univalent organic group of the general formula <chemistry id="chem0143" num="0143"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0143.tif" /></chemistry>in which R₁, R₂, Y₁, Y₂, m and k are as defined above for the compounds (ii) and wherein A₂ is a univalent organic group of the general formula <chemistry id="chem0144" num="0144"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0144.tif" /></chemistry>wherein R₁', R₂', Y₁', Y₂', j and are as defined above for the compounds (ii) and Xi and X₂ are as defined above for the compounds (i).

0058Such compounds have the structural formula <chemistry id="chem0145" num="0145"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0145.tif" /></chemistry>

0059When neither Xi nor X₂ contains a sulfur atom, the organophosphorus compounds (iii) are as effective in treating base element-containing fillers as the sulfur-free compounds among those mentioned hereinabove. On the other hand, those compounds (iii) in which X₁ and/or X₂ contains a sulfur atom are remarkably effective also in treating noble metal-containing fillers, like the sulfur-containing compounds among the compounds mentioned hereinabove. In either case, those compounds (iii) in which R₁ = R₁', R₂ = R₂', Y₁ = Yi', Y₂ = Y₂', m = j and k = ℓ, namely which are symmetrical, are preferred for the reason that they can be synthesized with ease.

0060Typical examples of the compounds (iii) are as follows: <chemistry id="chem0146" num="0146"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0146.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0147" num="0147"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0147.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0148" num="0148"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0148.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0149" num="0149"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0149.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0150" num="0150"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0150.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0151" num="0151"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0151.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0152" num="0152"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0152.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0153" num="0153"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0153.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0154" num="0154"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0154.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0155" num="0155"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0155.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0156" num="0156"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0156.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0157" num="0157"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0157.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0158" num="0158"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0158.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0159" num="0159"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0159.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0160" num="0160"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0160.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0161" num="0161"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0161.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0162" num="0162"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0162.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0163" num="0163"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0163.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0164" num="0164"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0164.tif" /></chemistry>

0061In any of the organophosphorus compounds (i) through (iii), the group R₂ should preferably be of long chain length (to a certain extent) but have no long, bulky, branched side chains. The reason is presumably that when compounds having such R₂ group are used, the inorganic filler surface can be covered up to a satisfactory extent with surface treating agent molecules.

0062When m is equal to 1, the following is a particularly preferred structure of R₂: -R₄-Y₃-(R₅-Y₃)_h-R₄- wherein h is 0 or 1 and when h = 0, R₄ is a hydrocarbyl group containing 4 to 20 carbon atoms and Y₃ is an oxygen atom and when h = 1, R₄ is a hydrocarbyl group containing 2 to 9 carbon atoms, Rs is a hydrocarbyl group containing 4 to 20 carbon atoms and Y₃ is an oxygen atom, -COO- or -OOC-.

0063Typical examples of R₂ are as follows: <chemistry id="chem0165" num="0165"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0165.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0166" num="0166"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0166.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0167" num="0167"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0167.tif" /></chemistry>and <chemistry id="chem0168" num="0168"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0168.tif" /></chemistry>

0064Another preferred structure of R₂ is the following: -(CH₂)i-wherein i is an integer of 4 to 40.

0065In the practice of the invention, other organophosphorus compounds, such as shown below, may also be used suitably as surface treating agents in addition to the above-mentioned organophosphorus compounds (I) to (iii). <chemistry id="chem0169" num="0169"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0169.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0170" num="0170"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0170.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0171" num="0171"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0171.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0172" num="0172"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0172.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0173" num="0173"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0173.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0174" num="0174"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0174.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0175" num="0175"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0175.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0176" num="0176"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0176.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0177" num="0177"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0177.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0178" num="0178"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0178.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0179" num="0179"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0179.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0180" num="0180"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0180.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0181" num="0181"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0181.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0182" num="0182"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0182.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0183" num="0183"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0183.tif" /></chemistry>

0066In synthesizing these organophosphorus compounds, the following, for instance, may serve as references: G. M. Kosolapoff: Organophosphorus Compounds, Wiley, 1950; Ye. L. Gefter: Organophosphorus Monomers and Polymers, Pergamon Press, 1962; The Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan (ed.): Modern Organic Synthesis Series 5, Organophosphorus Compounds, Gihodo, 1971; and Beilsteins Handbuch der Organischen Chemie, Springer-Verlag.

0067More specifically, the methods of synthesis disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Applications Kokai Nos. 58-128393, 58-192891, 58-21687, 58-21688, 59-139392, 59-135272, 59-142268, 60-166363, 60-166364 and 57-151607 may also be applicable.

0068The surface modification of inorganic fillers (A) with organophosphorus compound (1) can be carried out by any of the methods generally known for surface treatment of powder materials with surface treating agents and, more specifically, by the wet method or dry method.

0069The wet method comprises suspending an inorganic filler (A) and an organophosphorus compound (1) in an appropriate amount of a solvent such as water, alcohol, hexane, benzene, toluene, or xylene, and stirring the resulting slurry to a sufficient extent. In this case, the optimum conditions, namely the optimum solvent, reaction temperature and reaction time, may vary depending on the combination of inorganic filler (A) and organophosphorus compound (1) but can readily be found out by one skilled in the art. After a sufficient period of stirring, the solvent is removed by evaporation under a reduced pressure, filtration, lyophilization or a like method, whereby the surface treatment is completed.

0070In this case, it is desirable that one of the treatment steps mentioned above involves a step of heating. The heating may be effected during stirring the slurry composed of inorganic filler (A), organophosphorus compound (i) and solvent, during evaporation of the solvent or after the evaporation. In particular, heating the slurry will increase the dispersibility of the filler and thus allow it to be surface-treated evenly. The heating temperature is desirably within the range of 50° C to 150° C. At temperatures below 50° C, the effect of heating will be poor, while heating at temperatures exceeding 150°C may possibly allow the double bond capable of radical polymerization to react.

0071Those organophosphorus compounds (1) in which X₂ is a hydroxyl or mercapto group may also be used in the form of an alkali metal or ammonium salt thereof so that they can be reacted with the inorganic filler in the manner of a desalting reaction.

0072The dry method comprises charging the inorganic filler (A) into a mixer, such as a Henschel fluidizing mixer or a ribbon blender, and adding, while stirring, the organophosphorus compound (1) directly or in the form of a solution by spraying. In this case, the stirring is desirably carried out under heating. This method is suited for treatment of a large quantity of the filler.

0073The organophosphorus compound is used preferably in an amount sufficient to coat most of the inorganic filler surface with a monomolecular layer thereof. Such amount can be estimated on the basis of the specific surface area of inorganic filler as measured by the BET method, and the proportion of metal element on the surface of the filler. The required quantity of organophosphorus compound increases with the decrease in inorganic filler diameter and the increase in the metal element content on the surface. Generally speaking, in view of the above factors, the organophosphorus compound (1) is used in an amount of 0.01 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of inorganic filler. Of course, the optimal quantity of organophosphorus compound (1) should be determined based on the results of preliminary experiments so that the physical characteristics of the resinous composition for a specific use can be optimized.

0074The quantity of organophosphorus compound (1) on inorganic filler (A) can be estimated by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy or fluorescent X-ray analysis of the surface-treated inorganic filler.

0075A technique which could be thought to be useful comprises admixing a suitable amount of an organophosphorus compound with a monomer and then admixing the untreated inorganic filler with the resultant mixture to give a resinous composition.

0076Said technique, however, is undesirable since it is inferior in filler dispersibility, maximum filler content in the composition and mechanical strength of the resin product.

0077Silica-based glass powders containing a metal element such as barium or lanthanum, which are often used in composite resins for dental use, have a large number of silanol groups on their surface. The organophosphorus compound (1) is poorly effective as far as the silanol groups are concerned, hence it gives an unsatisfactory effect with silica-based glass powders. In the case of glass fillers having a high silica content, the combined use of the organophosphorus compound (1) and a known silane coupling agent, such as y-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane is desirable.

0078In such case, a two-step treatment process is employed which comprises first performing the surface treatment according to the invention and then carrying out a further surface treatment using a silane coupling agent.

0079In a modified process, it is also possible to first carry out treatment with a silane coupling agent and then treatment according to the invention , or to perform both treatments in one step using a mixture of the organophosphorus compound (1) and a silane coupling agent.

0080The monomer capable of radical polymerization to be used in the composition according to the invention should be copolymerizable with the organophosphorus compound (1) used as the surface treating agent, and a (meth)acrylate monomer is used as such monomer. [The term "(meth)acrylate" includes, within the meaning thereof, a methacrylate and an acrylate.]

0081The composition according to the invention may contain, in addition to said (meth)acrylate monomer, a small proportion of an ester of a-cyanoacrylic, crotonic, cinnamic, sorbic, maleic, itaconic or the like acid with a mono- or dihydric alcohol, a (meth)acrylamide, such as N-isobutylacrylamide, a vinyl ester, such as vinyl acetate, a vinyl ether, such as butyl vinyl ether, a mono-N-vinyl compound, such as N-vinylpyrrolidone and styrene derivatives.

0082Examples of the (meth)acrylate monomer are mono-functional (meth)acrylates, such as methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate and dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, bifunctional monomers, such as ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,10-decanediol di(meth)acrylate, bisphenol A di(meth)acrylate, 2,2-bis[(meth)acryloyloxypolyethoxyphe- nyl]propane, 2,2-bis[4-(3-methacryloyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenyl] propane (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Bis-GMA") and the adduct of one mole of 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate with 2 moles of 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, trifunctional monomers, such as trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, and tetrafunctional monomers, such as pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate and the adduct of one mole of 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate with 2 moles of glycerol di(meth)acrylate. These mono- and polyfunctional (meth)acrylates may be used either singly or in the form of a mixture of two or more.

0083In addition to the above-mentioned monomers, known adhesive (co-)monomers may desirably be used, particularly in cases where an adhesiveness to the tooth substance or to dental metals is expected. Such monomers contain an acidic group in their molecule. Said acidic group here includes, not only in its narrow sense, such groups as <chemistry id="chem0184" num="0184"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0184.tif" /></chemistry>but also in its broad sense, such acid anhvdride groups as <chemistry id="chem0185" num="0185"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0185.tif" /></chemistry>and such acid halide groups as <chemistry id="chem0186" num="0186"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0186.tif" /></chemistry>(in which 2₁ is F, Cl, Br or I).

0084Specific examples of the adhesive monomers are: <chemistry id="chem0187" num="0187"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0187.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0188" num="0188"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0188.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0189" num="0189"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0189.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0190" num="0190"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0190.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0191" num="0191"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0191.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0192" num="0192"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0192.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0193" num="0193"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0193.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0194" num="0194"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0194.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0195" num="0195"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0195.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0196" num="0196"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0196.tif" /></chemistry>

0085The proportion of surface-treated inorganic filler to polymerizable monomer may vary widely depending on the intended use of the resinous composition but, generally, it is within the range of 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of surface-treated inorganic filler per part by weight of polymerizable monomer. More detailed mention of the proportion will be made later herein.

0086The composition according to the invention may further contain, if necessary, one or more fillers other than the inorganic filler. Said fillers may be either of an inorganic nature or of an organic nature and, as inorganic fillers, there may be mentioned, for example, silica-based inorganic fillers such as quartz, amorphous silica and borosilicate glass. These fillers are used after preliminary surface treatment with a silane coupling agent. As organic fillers, there may be mentioned polymethyl methyacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and other polymer powders as well as such organic-inorganic composite fillers or prepolymerized microfillers as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Kokai No. 56-49311.

0087The composition according to the invention, which essentially comprises an inorganic filler and a polymerizable monomer, may be converted to a cured product by subjecting it to heating at a temperature not lower than 100°C or to irradiation with light or electron beams. Another method of curing the composition is to add an initiator to facilitate the polymerization.

0088The initiator to be used in the practice of the invention is not limited to any particular species but may be any of a wide variety. The initiator is generally selected with due consideration of the polymerizability of the monomer and the polymerization conditions. Thus, for instance, when a (meth)acrylate is subjected to high-temperature polymerization, an organic peroxide, such as benzoyl peroxide (hereinafter referred to as "BPO"), di-tert-butyl peroxide or cumene hydroperoxide, or an azo compound such as 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile or 1,1'-azo-bis(cyclohexane-1-carbonitrile) is used.

0089On the other hand, for room temperature polymerization, oxidation-reduction (redox) ini tiators, such as benzoyl peroxide/dimethylaniline cumene hydroperoxide/thiourea, ascorbic acid/Cu²⁺ salt and organic sulfinic acid (or salt thereof)/amine/peroxide, and, further, tributylborane, organic sulfinic acids are suitably used.

0090In cases where photopolymerization is carried out by irradiation with visible light, such a redox initiator as a-diketone/tertiary amine, a-diketone/aldehyde and a-diketone/mercaptan is preferred. The a-diketone is, for example, camphor quinone, diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, benzil, acenaphthene quinone or phenanthraquinone. The tertiary amine is, for example, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, ethyl N,N-dimethylaminobenzoate or Michler's ketone. The aldehyde is, for example, citronellal, lauryl aldehyde, o-phthaldialdehyde or p-octyloxybenzaldehyde, and the mercaptan is, for example, 1-decanethiol, thiosalicylic acid, 2-mercaptoben- zoxazole or 4-mercaptoacetophenone. Furthermore, an a-diketone/organic peroxide/reducing agent initiator system derived from the above-mentioned redox initiator with addition of an organic peroxide is also suitable. For photopolymerization under ultraviolet irradiation, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide, benzoin methyl ether, benzil dimethyl ketal, benzophenone, 2-methylthioxanthone, diacetyl benzil, azobisisobutyronitrile and tetramethylthiuram disulfide are suitably used as well as the above-mentioned initiators for photopolymerization under visible light.

0091These polymerization initiators are used suitably in an amount within the range of 0,01 to 100/o by weight based on the polymerizable monomer.

0092The resinous composition according to the invention may further contain a polymerization inhibitor, ultra-violet absorber, fluorescent pigment and non-fluorescent pigment if necessary.

0093The essential components of the resinous compostion according to the invention, namely the inorganic filler and polymerizable monomer, can be selected respectively from the substances or compounds mentioned hereinabove so that a wide range of application of said composition can be covered.

0094In the field of dentistry, the composition according to the invention is required to meet high strength and aesthetic (in particular transparency) requirements so that it can be used as a composite resin for dental application. To meet these requirements, it is recommended that an alumina filler having a refractive index of 1.60 to 1.70, a (meth)acrylate monomer which can give a refractive index of 1.50 to 1.60 after curing by polymerization, and a silica-based inorganic filler having a refractive index of 1.50 to 1.60 be used in combination. The use of such components, which are close in refractive index to one another, can result in good transparency as well as in improved mechanical properties owing to the addition of the alumina filler. In this case, the particle size and amount of the fillers can be selected suitably depending on the intended use of the composition.

0095For use as a dental adhesive intended for adhesion to the tooth, in particular to the dentin, the composition should desirably contain an inorganic filler having good biocompatibility. As such a filler, there may be mentioned, for example, hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium diphosphate, calcium metaphosphate, calcium pyrophosphate and various kinds of bioglass. It is also possible to use a fluorine-containing inorganic filler, such as calcium fluoride, for the purpose of reinforcing the tooth substance. These fillers are surface-treated with the organophosphorus compound (1).

0096As the polymerizable monomer component, a system comprising the above-mentioned (meth)acrylate monomer and adhesive monomer is used. The fillers are incorporated in the composition in an amount of 0.5 to 20 parts by weight per part by weight of the polymerizable monomer component.

0097When the dental adhesive is to serve as a fissure sealant, metal oxides, such as alumina, titanium oxide and zirconium oxide, and calcium fluoride are preferred inorganic fillers, and these fillers are used in an amount of 0.01 to 5 parts by weight per part by weight of the polymerizable monomer component.

0098The resinous composition according to the invention will be offered to users in various forms depending on the use thereof. Examples are as follows:

(I) One-package paste or liquid form

0099The filler, polymerizable monomer and polymerization initiator are combined into a paste or liquid. The initiator is a photopolymerization initiator and/or an initiator for medium or high temperature polymerization.

(ii) Two-package paste or liquid form

0100The oxidizing agent and reducing agent of an oxidation- reduction type polymerization initiator system capable of catalyzing room temperature polymerization are separately admixed with the filler and polymerizable monomer to give two paste or liquid packages.

(iii) Powder-liquid form

0101This form is composed of a powder which is a mixture of the above-mentioned reducing agent (or oxidizing agent) and a filler powder, and a solution (liquid) of the above-mentioned oxidizing agent (or reducing agent) in the polymerizable monomer or monomers.

(iv) Molding form

0102The composition in the above-mentioned form (i) to (iii) is molded and cured by polymerization. An artificial tooth is an example of this form.

0103When offered in the semi-finished form (i) to (iii) to dentists or dental technicians, the composition is molded and cured by polymerization by such users and thus functions as a dental material.

0104The composite material comprising a metal-containing, water-insoluble inorganic filler surface-treated in advance with the organophosphorus compound (1) and a monomer capable of radical polymerization is of high performance which has never been attained in the prior art, namely with composite materials in which the above-mentioned inorganic filler or a silica-based filler is treated with a known silane coupling agent. For instance, the surface modification with silane coupling agents is almost ineffective for metal salt powders, such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite and, therefore, composite materials containing these fillers are poor in mechanical strength and cannot be used for dental material. On the contrary, when the organophosphorus compound (1) is used in the surface treatment of said metal salts, adhesion between the filler and matrix resin is markedly increased, so that high-strength dental materials can be obtained with said metal salts as fillers.

0105For metal powders as well, the effect of surface modification with silane coupling agents is poor and, moreover, composite materials containing said metal powders after such treatment rapidly lose their strength under wet conditions and therefore can hardly be employed as dental materials. On the contrary, when the organophosphorus compound (1) is used for surface treatment, composite dental materials showing much improved initial strength and wet strength can be obtained.

0106Surface treatment with the organophosphorus compound (1) is markedly effective also for metal oxide fillers, such as aluminum oxide or titanium oxide fillers, for which surface treatment with silane coupling agents is also effective to a considerable extent but cannot always give satisfactory water resistance to the resin matrix-filler adhesion. The use of said organophosphorus compound (1) thus makes it possible to incorporate said fillers in composite resins for dental use.

0107Another outstanding feature of the invention is that high loading of resin matrices with inorganic fillers is possible. The so-called submicron fillers, which have a particle size of not more than 1 pm, produce a marked viscosity increase and therefore can hardly be incorporated in polymerizable monomer to a high concentration, even after surface treatment with known silane coupling agents.

0108This is a substantial difficulty particularly when filler particles are ultrafine, having a particle size of not more than 0.1 um. On the contrary, when surface-treated with the organo-phosphorus compound (1), submicron fillers show a low increase of decreased viscosity and can be incorporated into resin matrices in amounts 1.5 to 3 times as large as the inorganic filler treated with a known silane coupling agent. Thus, it is now possible to further improve the hardness, compressive strength, wear resistance and other aspects of composite resins for dental use.

0109A further advantage consists in improved aesthetic features and radiopacity of the composite resins for dental use. Since metal-, in particular heavy metal-containing fillers have great radiopacity, composite resins having a larger radiopacity than enamel can be readily prepared by using the above fillers in large amounts.

0110Furthermore, the resinous composition having a refractive index close to the natural tooth (n= 1.61 -1.63) can be obtained by using an inorganic filler which contains a metal and has a larger refractive index than quartz(n=1.55), and thus said resinous composition shows improved aesthetic features e.g. reflection and refraction indexes, comparable to the natural tooth.

0111The present invention is applicable to materials for biological hard tissues. More specifically, the invention can be applied to composite resins for dental use (e.g. restorative filling materials, prosthetic materials for inlays, crown and the like, materials for artificial teeth, abutment construction materials) as well as to dental adhesives (e.g. bonding agents, resin cements, fissure sealants), materials for denture bases and impression materials, contributing to making these dental materials more sophisticated.

0112In the field of orthopedics, the invention can provide hydroxyapatite-containing bone cement, artificial bone resulting from compounding hydroxyapatite and an organic polymer and ceramic whisker-reinforced artificial bone.

0113For industrial purposes, the composition according to the invention can be used as a material for the manufacture of artificial marble, decorative panels and various machine parts.

0114The following examples are further illustrative of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1

0115A flask was charged with 50 g of alumina (Showa Denko, AL-160 SG-4^@) having an average particle size of 0.9_1im and a specific surface area of 5.4 m³/g as measured by the BET method, 200 ml of toluene and 3 g of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate, and the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours with vigorous stirring and then allowed to cool. The alumina powder was recovered from the suspension by filtration, washed thoroughly with toluene, dried under vacuum for 12 hours and then heated in air at 90° C for 2 hours, to give a surface-treated filler. The adsorption of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate was estimated to be 1.2 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the alumina powder based on the phosphorus content, determined by fluorescent X ray analysis, of the powder.

0116A polymerizable monomer composition was prepared by mixing together 35 parts by weight of 2,2-bis[methacryloyloxypolyethoxyphenyl]propane (each molecule containing, on an average, 2.6 ethoxy groups; hereinafter referred to as "D-2.6E"), 40 parts by weight of the adduct of one mole of 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate and 2 moles of glycerol dimethacrylate (hereinafter referred to as "U-4TH"), 25 parts by weight of neopentyl glycol dimethacrylate (hereinafter referred to as "NPG") and 1 part by weight of benzoyl peroxide. Thirty parts by weight of this composition and 70 parts by weight of the above surface-treated filler were kneaded together to give a pasty polymerizable composition.

0117This composition was evaluated for the following characteristics:

(i) Consistency

0118A filler more wettable with a polymerizable monomer may have better dispersibility in the polymerizable monomer and give a resultant composition softer in viscosity. Therefore, the effect of the surface treatment can be judged by measuring the consistency of the composite as an index of viscosity. In this experiment, the value measured in the following manner was defined as "consistency". 0.5 ml of the paste was heaped upon a glass plate (5 x 5 cm) in the middle thereof.

0119Thereon was then placed gently a glass plate (5 x 5 cm) under a load of 40 g. After the lapse of 120 seconds, the major and minor axes of the spread paste body were measured through the upper glass plate. The arithmetic mean of both the values was taken as the consistency. The consistency value thus found is shown in 'Table 1, which is the mean of three independent measurements.

(ii) Flexural strength

0120The flexural strength was measured as an index of adhesion strength of the filler to the resin matrix in the polymerized composition. The above paste was filled into a 2 x 2 x 30 mm mold and cured by heating at 130°C for 1 hour, and the molding was then taken out of the mold. The thus-obtained square rod specimen was stored in air at 37° C for 1 day and then subjected to a three-contact-point flexural test (span between terminal bearing edges = 20 mm; cross head speed = 1 mm/min) on an Instron universal tester. The result shown in Table 1 is the mean of 10 measurements (10 test specimens).

(iii) Water resistance in terms of flexural strength

0121Test specimens prepared by the method mentioned above under (ii) were subjected to accelerated degradation by immersing in water at 70°C for 10 days and then tested for flexural strength. The water resistance can be evaluated by comparing the thus-measured flexural strength with the initial flexural strength mentioned above under (ii). The mean value from 10 test specimens is shown in Table 1.

EXAMPLES 2-41

0122The procedure of Example 1 was followed using the organophosphorus compounds shown in Table 1 in lieu of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate used in Example 1 and the pastes obtained were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1. <tables id="tabl0001" num="0001"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0197.tif" /></tables><tables id="tabl0002" num="0002"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0198.tif" /></tables><tables id="tabl0003" num="0003"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0199.tif" /></tables><tables id="tabl0004" num="0004"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0200.tif" /></tables>

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1

0123A paste was prepared by using the same alumina powder as used in Example 1 but without any surface treatment, and the consistency and flexural strength measurements were made in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 2.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 2-5

0124The same evaluations as made in Example 1 were performed using the alumina powder surface-treated with one of the organophosphorus compounds shown in Table 2 in lieu of the organophosphorus compound used in Example 1. The results thus obtained are shown also in Table 2.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 6

0125A paste was prepared by adding 69.17 parts by weight of the same alumina powder as used in Example 1, without surface treatment, to a mixture of 30 parts by weight of the same polymerizable monomer composition as used in Example 1 and 0.83 part by weight of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate, followed by kneading, and consistency and flexural strength measurements were performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results obtained are shown in Table 2. As compared with the product obtained in Example 1, the product in this comparative example showed a marked decrease in flexural strength. <tables id="tabl0005" num="0005"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0201.tif" /></tables>

EXAMPLES 42-50

0126A mixture of 40 g of powdery titanium oxide (of rutile structure; average particle size = 0.2 µm), 400 ml of toluene and 4 g of one of the organophosphorus compounds shown in Table 3 was heated under reflux for 2 hours and then allowed to cool. The titanium oxide powder was filtered off, washed with toluene, dried under vacuum and subjected to dry heat treatment at 90°C for 2 hours to give a surface-treated filler.

0127A paste was prepared by mixing and kneading together 50 parts by weight of the same polymerizable monomer composition as used in Example 1 and 50 parts by weight of the above filler. This paste was subjected to consistency and flexural strength measurements in the same manner as in Example 1. The results obtained are shown in Table 3.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 7-11

0128Pastes were prepared under the conditions of Example 42 using a surface-treated filler prepared by treatment of the above-mentioned titanium oxide powder with one of the organophosphorus compounds shown in Table 3 or using said titanium oxide powder without any surface treatment. Consistency and flexural strength measurements were made in the same manner as in Example 1. The results obtained are shown in Table 3. <tables id="tabl0006" num="0006"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0202.tif" /></tables>

EXAMPLES 51-59

012950g of a hydroxyapatite powder (average particle size = 75 pm) was admixed with 150 ml of toluene and 1 g of one of the organophosphorus compounds shown in Table 4 and surface-treated by following the procedure of Example 1. A paste was prepared by mixing and kneading together 80 parts by weight of this filler and 20 parts by weight of the same polymerizable monomer composition as used in Example 1. The paste was subjected to the same consistency and flexural strength measurements as performed in Example 1. The results obtained are shown in Table 4.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 12-16

0130Pastes were prepared under the conditions of Example 51 using a filler prepared by surface treatment of the above-mentioned hydroxyapatite powder with one of the organophosphorus compounds shown in Table 4 or using said powder without any surface treatment. The pastes were subjected to the same consistency and flexural strength measurements as performed in Example 1. The results thus obtained are shown in Table 4. <tables id="tabl0007" num="0007"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0203.tif" /></tables>

EXAMPLES 60-63

0131A flask was charged with 50 g of a silver powder particle size ≦ 50 µm), 100 ml of toluene and 0.5 g of one of the organophosphorus compounds shown in Table 5 and then the procedure of Example 1 was followed to give a surface-treated filler. A paste was prepared by mixing and kneading together 93 parts by weight of the filler and 7 parts by weight of the same polymerizable monomer composition as used in Example 1. The paste was subjected to the same consistency and flexural strength measurements as performed in Example 1. The results thus obtained are shown in Table 5.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 17 & 18

0132Pastes were prepared under the conditions of Example 60 using a filler prepared by surface treatment of the above-mentioned silver powder with one of the organophosphorus compounds shown in Table 5 or using said powder without any surface treatment. The pastes were subjected to the same consistency and flexural strength measurements as performed in Example 1. The results obtained are shown in Table 5. <tables id="tabl0008" num="0008"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0204.tif" /></tables>

EXAMPLE 64

0133A La glass ceramic (Schott, GM-31684@; n = 1.56) was ground in a vibrating ball mill to give a powder having a particle size range of 0.1 to 20 µm and an average particle size of 2.8 µm. This powder was surface-treated in the conventional manner with y-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, which was used in an amount of 2 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said powder, to give a surface treated filler. Separately, a mixture of 50 g of microfine alumina (Nippon Aerosil, aluminum oxide C^O) having an average particle size of 0.02 µm, a specific surface area of 100 m²/g as measured by the BET method and a refractive index of n = 1.65, 15 g of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate and 500 ml of toluene was heated under reflux for 3 hours and then allowed to cool. The filler was recovered by centrifugation, dried under vacuum for 24 hours and then further heated in air at 90°C for 2 hours to give a surface-treated microfine alumina powder filler. Elemental analysis of this alumina powder revealed an ash content of 85.50/o by weight. The same polymerizable monomer composition (n = 1.528) as used in Example 1 was used as the polymerizable monomer component except that 0.5 part by weight of 2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide was added per 100 parts by weight of said composition in lieu of BPO.

0134A polymerizable composition (paste) was prepared by mixing and kneading together 500 parts by weight of the above surface-treated La glas filler, 180 parts by weight of the surface-treated microfine alumina filler and 100 parts by weight of the polymerizable monomer composition, followed by deaeration under vacuum. This paste was polymerized for curing by 90-second exposure to photoirradiation using a xenon lamp (Kulzer, Dentacolor XS°), followed by 30-minute heating at 120°C. The thus-obtained cured product was measured for flexural strength, compressive strength, Brinell hardness and transparency. The results obtained are shown in Table 6.

0135The definitions of the measured quantities and the methods of measurement as used in this example are as follows: <ul id="ul0005" list-style="none"><li>(i) Flexural strength</li></ul>

0136The same mold as used in Example 1 was employed and polymerization was carried out in the same manner as above mentioned. The moldings thus obtained were immersed in water at 37°C for 24 hours and then subjected to three-contact-point flexural testing using an Instron universal tester (cross head speed: 1mm/min; span between bearing edges: 20 mm). The value reported is the mean from 10 test specimens.

(ii) Compressive strength

0137The paste was filled into a cylindrical mold, 4 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height, and polymerized as described hereinabove. The molding was taken out of the mold, immersed in water at 37° C for 24 hours and then tested on an Instron universal tester at a cross head speed of 2mm/min. The value reported is the mean from 10 test specimens.

(iii) Brinell hardness

0138The paste was filled into a mold having a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 5 mm, a cover glass was brought into the upper surface of the paste under pressure, and polymerization was carried out as described hereinabove.

0139The cured product was taken out of the mold, and the face that had been kept in contact with the glass was polished with an abrasive paper with 220 grit to a depth of 0.5 mm and subjected to testing.

(iv) Transparency

0140The paste was molded into a disk (20 mm ϕ x 0.85 mm) and, after curing as described hereinabove, the molding was used as a test specimen. For the transparency evaluation, a colorimeter (Nippon Denshoku model E80) was used, the lightness (L_i) was measured with a standard white plate located behind the test specimen on one hand and, on the other, the lightness (L₂) was measured with a standard black plate placed behind the same test specimen, The difference AL = Li - L₂ was employed as an index of transparency. In this manner of evaluation, a greater AL value means a higher level of transparency.

(v) Refractive index

0141The refractive indices of the alumina and inorganic fillers were measured with an Abbe refractometer by the immersion method in a solvent of sulfur-containing diiodomethane, bromonaphthalene, methyl salicylate, or dimethylformamide and using the D line of a sodium lamp as a light source. The refractive index of the polymerizable monomer composition after curing was measured with an Abbe refractometer using, as the test specimen, a cured rectangular parallelepiped molding (5 mm x 10 mm x 20 mm) prepared by deaerating the polymerizable monomer composition containing 0.5% by weight of benzoyl peroxide and then polymerizing the same at 110° C for 30 minutes.

0142(vi) Average particle size and particle size range

0143For the microfine alumina powder, the particle size was determined based on a transmission electron photomicrograph.

0144For the La glass ceramic, a Horiba model CAPA 500 particle size autoanalyzer was used. The measurement was made with the centrifugal and gravitational sedimentation light transmission technique.

EXAMPLE 65

0145A cured product obtained by photopolymerization of the same paste as used in Example 64, but without heating, was tested in the same manner as in said example. The results obtained are shown also in Table 6.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 19

0146An alumina filler was prepared by surface-treating 100 parts by weight of the same microfine alumina powder as used in Example 64 with 30 parts by weight of y-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane in the conventional manner. An attempt was made to prepare a composition using this alumina filler and the same La glass ceramic and polymerizable monomer composition as used in Example 64 in accordance with the same compound ratio. However, the viscosity was so high that kneading was impossible.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 20

0147A microfine silica filler was prepared by surface- treating 100 parts by weight of a microfine silica powder (Nippon Aerosil, Aerosil 130⁰; average particle size 0.016 Rm; BET specific surface area 130 m²/g) with 30 parts by weight of y-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane in the conventional manner. An attempt was made to prepare a composition using said microfine silica filler in lieu of the microfine alumina filler used in Example 64, together with the same La glass ceramic and polymerizable monomer composition as used in said example according to the same compounding ratio as used therein. However, the viscosity was so high that kneading was impossible.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 21

0148A microfine silica filler was prepared by surface-treating 100 parts by weight of a microfine silica powder (Nippon Aerosil, Aerosil OX-50®; average particle size 0.04 ₁1m; BET specific surface area 50 m²/g) with 15 parts by weight of y-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane in the conventional manner. Said silica filler was mixed and kneaded with the same La glass ceramic and polymerizable monomer composition as used in Example 64 in the same compounding ratio as used therein, said silica filler being used in lieu of the microfine alumina filler. The resultant composition was cured by the same polymerization method as used in said example, and test specimens thus obtained were subjected to the same tests as mentioned above. The results obtained are shown in Table 6.

EXAMPLE 66

0149A polymerizable monomer composition was prepared by mixing together 40 parts by weight of D-2.6E, 40 parts by weight of 1,10-decanediol dimethacrylate, 20 parts by weight of U-4TH and 1 part by weight of benzoyl peroxide (BPO). A polymerizable composition in the form of a paste was prepared by mixing and kneading together 100 parts by weight of said polymerizable monomer composition and 250 parts by weight of the same microfine alumina filler as used in Example 64. This paste was cured by heating at 130°C for 1 hour for polymerization, and the cured product was tested in the same manner as in Example 64. The test results are shown also in Table 6.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 22

0150250 parts by weight of the same surface-treated alumina filler as used in Example 19 were mixed with 100 parts by weight of the same polymerizable monomer composition as used in Example 66. However, the mixture did not give a paste suited for use as a dental material; kneading was impossible.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 23

0152The procedure of Example 66 was followed using 200 parts by weight of the same microfine silica filler as used in Comparative Example 21 and 100 parts by weight of the same polymerizable monomer composition as used in Example 66. The evaluation results thus obtained are shown in Table 6.

EXAMPLE 67

0153The cured product produced in Example 66 was ground in a vibrating ball mill and then sifted to give a powder having a particle size range of 0.1 ₁1m to 100 mm and an average particle size of 15 µm. Separately, a polymerizable monomer composition was prepared by mixing together 70 parts by weight of D-2.6E, 30 parts by weight of 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate and 0.5 part by weight of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide. A polymerizable composition was prepared by mixing and kneading together 20 parts by weight of said monomer composition, 55 parts by weight of the above-mentioned powder and 25 parts by weight of the same microfine alumina filler as used in Example 64. The cured product obtained from this composition by the same polymerization method as used in Example 64 was tested in the same manner. The results are shown in Table 6.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 24

0154The cured product produced in Comparative Example 23 was ground in a vibrating ball mill and then sifted to give a powder having a particle size range of 0.1 µm to 100 µm and an average particle size of 14 µm.

0155A polymerizable composition was prepared by mixing and kneading together 20 parts by weight of the same polymerizable monomer composition as used in Example 67, 55 parts by weight of the above powder and 25 parts by weight of the same microfine silica filler as used in Comparative Example 21. The same evaluation tests as performed in Example 67 were carried out. The results thus obtained are shown in Table 6. <tables id="tabl0009" num="0009"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0205.tif" /></tables>

EXAMPLE 68

0156The same hydroxyapatite powder as used in Example 51 was ground in a rotary ball mill to give a powder having an average particle size of 4.5 p.m. 50 g of this powder was mixed with 150 ml of toluene and 1.5 g of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate, and surface treatment was carried out by following the procedure of Example 1. A two-package adhesive (liquid and powder) was prepared using the filler thus obtained and according to the following formulation: <tables id="tabl0010" num="0010"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0206.tif" /></tables>

0157In preparing the composition B, the filler was sprayed with a solution of the sodium benzenesulfinate and N,N-diethanol-p-toluidine in 10 parts by weight of methanol and then the methanol was evaporated.

0158A test for adhesion to human dentin was conducted using the compositions A and B. The dentin of a human molar tooth was exposed by cutting the crown portion off with a cutter while pouring water thereonto. The dentin surface was etched with 400/o aqueous orthophosphoric acid for 1 minute, washed with water and then dried with an air syringe. A double adhesive tape piece having a 5 mm (p perforation was then applied to said surface. The tooth was fixed horizontally, and a plastic ring (6 mm in inside diameter, 5 mm in height) was placed concentrically on the perforation of said tape. Appropriate quantities of the compositions A and B were kneaded together in the weight ratio of 1:4 for about 1 minute and, when the mixture became a soft paste, the paste was put into said plastic ring, then a hook for tensile testing was set in the paste, and the specimen was allowed to stand for 30 minutes and then immersed in water at 37° C for 24 hours. Thereafter, the adhesive strength was measured using an Instron universal tester at a cross head speed of 2mm/min. The value was a mean of 5 test specimens. The initial flexural strength of this cured product and the flexural strength after 10 days of immersion in water at 70° C were also measured. The results of these measurements are shown in Table 7.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 25

0159An adhesive was prepared according to the same formulation as given in Example 68 except that y-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane was used as the surface-treating agent in lieu of the 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate used in Example 68 and the surface treatment was performed in the conventional manner. The adhesive was tested in the same manner as in Example 68. The results obtained are also shown in Table 7.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 26

0160An adhesive was prepared according to the same formulation as used in Example 68 except that the same hydroxyapatite powder as used in Example 51 was used without surface treatment in lieu of the surface-treated hydroxyapatite filler. The adhesive was tested in the same manner, and the results obtained are also shown in Table 7. <tables id="tabl0011" num="0011"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0207.tif" /></tables>

EXAMPLE 69

0161The same hydroxyapatite powder as used in Example 51 was ground in a vibrating ball mill to give a powder having an average particle size of 2.3 µm. 200 g of this powder was mixed with 600 ml of toluene and 10 g of 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate, and surface treatment was carried out by following the procedure of Example 69. A polymerizable composition was prepared by mixing together 75 parts by weight of the surface-treated filler, 20 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate, 5 parts by weight of 1,10-decanediol dimethacrylate and 0.1 part by weight of benzoyl peroxide. The composition was put into a mold and heated under pressure at 140°C for 1 hour for polymerization. Thus was obtained a molding having biocompatibility and physical properties suitable for its use as an artificial tooth root or an artificial bone.

EXAMPLE 70

0162Three pastes were prepared by adding a coloring agent to the photopolymerizable composition prepared in Example 64 so that they could have the respective chromaticities of cured products given in Table 8. The color tones match the tooth neck, dentin and enamel, respectively. A gold-silver-palladium alloy (GC Corp., Castwell®) was cast into a metal frame suited for use as a crown for a resin facing for the maxillary central incisor. The frame was coated with an opaquer (kulzer Dentacolor^s opaquer A-20) for masking the metallic color thereof and subjected to photoirradiation for 90 seconds using a xenon lamp (Kulzer Dentacolor XS^O). The paste prepared for making a tooth root was applied thereto and photoirradiated for 30 seconds, then the paste for dentin was placed thereon and photoirradiated for 30 seconds, and the paste for making enamel was further layered thereon and photoirradiated for 90 seconds. The product was placed in a hot air drier and heated at 120°C for 20 minutes, and then allowed to cool. After trimming and buffing, there was obtained a good facing crown. <tables id="tabl0012" num="0012"><img file="EP0333503A2_D0208.tif" /></tables>

0163(Nippon Denshoku model e80) with a standard white plate in the background