Tensile and Tear Strength Evaluation of Clean-Grade Silicone with Cellulose Nanocrystals Reinforcement as an Alternative Material for Maxillofacial Prostheses: An Experimental Study.
Sara Stefany, An-Nissa Kusumadewi, Lisda Damayanti, Veni Takarini
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Abstract
Introduction: Silicone elastomers are widely used in maxillofacial prostheses owing to their elasticity, esthetic properties, and biocompatibility. Clean-grade silicone serves as an affordable alternative to medical-grade silicone. The addition of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) and intrinsic pigments is expected to enhance the performance of clean-grade silicone.
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effects of CNC and intrinsic pigments on the tensile strength, elongation percentage, and tear strength of clean-grade silicone as an alternative material for maxillofacial prostheses.
Materials and methods: Six groups of clean-grade silicone were evaluated: control, A (with pigment), B (with 0.5% CNC), C (with 0.5% CNC and pigment), D (with 1% CNC), and E (with 1% CNC and pigment). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted to evaluate the morphological and functional group characteristics; tensile strength, elongation percentage, and tear strength were measured to assess changes in mechanical properties and were analyzed statistically.
Results: SEM analysis showed microstructure formation characterized by dispersed particles with the addition of 1% CNC and intrinsic pigments. As the filler and pigment were added, the FTIR revealed increased absorption intensities of Si-O-Si functional groups, detected at 1022-1026 cm-1. The tensile trength (3.87-4.84 MPa) was successfully increased compared to the control group (3.63 MPa), a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Group D had the highest tensile strength, aligning closely with medical-grade silicone (approximately 2.53-8.36 MPa). Meanwhile, the lowest elongation percentage and the highest tear strength (3.84 kN/m) resulted in Group E, both of which are close to the range of maxillofacial prosthesis requirements.
Conclusion: The addition of 1% CNC and intrinsic pigments successfully increased tensile and tear strength while reducing the elongation percentage of clean-grade silicone that potential as an alternative material; however, future optimization on the tear strength still required before maxillofacial prosthesis application.
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