Effect of Silica Filler on the Mechanical Properties of Silicone Maxillofacial Prothesis

Abstract

Background: VST-50 (a room temperature-vulcanizing silicone (RTV) by Factor II Inc.) has long been proposed as a potential alternative material for MDX4-4210, another RTV by Dow Corning Corp. and the current material of choice for maxillofacial prosthesis. Though VST-50 has similar chemistry and flexibility as MDX4-4210, its mechanical properties is still too low for it to be used in the clinic. An improvement in the mechanical property of VST-50 is a critical step to bring the material to clinical application. Objective: To investigate the effect of AEROSIL® R 812S (colloid silica) addition on the mechanical properties of VST-50 and compared to that of MDX4-4210. Methods: The VST-50 was mixed with AEROSIL® R 812S at 2 or 4 parts per hundred parts of rubber. That material was mixed with the catalyst under vacuum. The mixture was poured onto a machined plastic mold to produce a silicone sheet 3.0 ± 0.2 mm thick. All samples were prepared by manufacturer recommended method. Testing samples were prepared and tested following ISO 37 for tensile strength, ASTM D624 for tear strength and ASTM D2240 for shore A hardness test. One way ANOVA was used to compare the groups (Alpha=0.05). Result: Significant differences (P<0.001) were found between MDX4-4210 and modified VST-50 groups. The mean value of tensile strength, tear strength and hardness of VST-50 (4phr colloid silica) were 7.43(MPa), 34.82(N/mm) and 40.4 respectively, compared to MDX4-4210 were 3.67(MPa), 5.48(N/mm) and 31.5, respectively. Conclusion: Modified VST-50 with 4phr silica revealed improved mechanical properties to use as a maxillofacial prosthetic silicone elastomer.