Abstract

Effect of Polyester Fiber Incorporation into RTV Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomer on Tear Strength, Tensile Strength, Surface Roughness and Shore �?¢�?�?��?�?A�?¢�?�?��?�?� Hardness: A Pilot Study

Author(s):Ahmed Nadher Jaber, Raghdaa K. Jassim, Mohammed Moudhafar and Abdalbasit A. Fatihallah

Aim: The primary objective of the maxillofacial prosthesis is to restore the function and improve the esthetic; thereby benefit for the patient life quality, the aims of the present study were to select the proper percentage of fiber addition that improves the mechanical properties of the maxillofacial silicone. Method: Total 105 samples were fabricated by the addition of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% by weight polyester fibers to A-2186 platinum RTV silicone elastomer after cutting into 2 mm and 4 mm length. The study samples were divided into three groups, each group containing 35 samples. One control group was prepared without polyester fibers addition and six other groups were prepared with different percentage of PA-6 micro particles 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% by weight and different fiber length (2 mm and 4 mm). Each group was further subdivided into three groups according to the conducted tests, i.e. tear and tensile strength, shore A hardness and surface roughness tests (n=5). The data were analyzed with a descriptive statistical analysis (mean, standard deviation, and bar chart representation). Results: The mean value of tear, tensile strength, surface roughness and shore A hardness for 0.25% by weight polyester fiber (2 mm length) reinforcement group increased significantly when compared to control group on the contrast to the other values of reinforcement groups which were deteriorated significantly. Conclusion: It was concluded that maxillofacial silicone elastomer mechanical properties can be improved when 0.25% by weight of 2 mm length polyester fiber added to it.

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