Effect of Nano Silicon Dioxide Addition on Some Properties of Heat Vulcanized Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomer

Silicone elastomer is widely used as the material of choice for fabricating maxillofacial prosthesis. However, silicone properties are far from ideal; low tear strength, low tensile strength and insufficient elasticity are the most undesirable properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of nano SiO2filler on tear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness and color of Cosmesil M-511 HTV maxillofacial silicone elastomer. Nano SiO2was added to the silicone base in concentrations of 4%, 5% and 6% by weight. Silicone with 0% nano filler served as a control. Tear test was done according to ISO 34-1. Tensile and elongation test was done according to ISO 37. Shore A hardness test was done according to ISO 7619. Visual color measurement test was done according to ASTM D1535. Scanning electron microscope was used to assess the efficiency of dispersing method. FTIR test was conducted to evaluate the interaction of nano SiO2with the silicone. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA and Fisher’s LSD test. SEM showed well dispersion of nano filler within the silicone matrix. FTIR indicated that nano SiO2interacted with the PDMS through its surface hydroxyl group. All nano SiO2concentration groups showed a highly significant increase in tear strength, tensile strength and elongation at break compared to the control group. The 5% group showed the highest mean values among other groups. Shore A hardness showed a highly significant increase with all nano SiO2concentrations with the increase being directly proportional to filler concentration increase. Spectrophotometer results showed a highly significant decrease in translucency of the material with all nano filler concentrations but this decrease in translucency was visually demonstrated as slight increase in color intensity. Reinforcement of M-511 silicone with 5% nano SiO2significantly improves all mechanical properties tested with a slight change of color seen visually.