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Development of a new poly(dimethylsiloxane) maxillofacial prosthetic material
Author(s) -
Aziz Tariq,
Waters Mark,
Jagger Robert
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part b: applied biomaterials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.665
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 1552-4981
pISSN - 1552-4973
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.b.10559
Subject(s) - materials science , filler (materials) , silicone , polymer , composite material , silane , silicone rubber , tear resistance , natural rubber , polymer science
Maxillofacial prosthetic materials are used to rehabilitate patients suffering from acquired or congenital facial disfigurement. Silicone rubber materials [poly(dimethylsiloxane) rubbers] are the materials of choice. However, current formulations have inadequate mechanical properties, in particular, tear strength. The purpose of this study was to formulate a new poly(dimethylsiloxane) material with improved mechanical properties in comparison to commercially available materials. The formulations developed were based on condensation chemistry containing a hydroxy–end‐blocked poly(dimethylsiloxane), hydrophobic silica filler, silane cross‐linking agents, and a tin catalyst. The following parameters were varied in order to formulate improved materials: (a) bimodal polymeric mix (i.e., ratio of high‐ and low‐molecular‐weight polymers); (b) silica filler type and quantity. By varying these parameters a formulation was developed with a base polymer mix of 80%:20% high‐ to low‐molecular‐weight polymers into which 20% w/w filler was added. This formulation had a tear strength of 22.23 ± 1.6 m N/mm compared to the commercial materials having tear strengths in the range 4.53–17.63 N/mm. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 65B: 252–261, 2003