Color stability and colorant effect on maxillofacial elastomers. Part II: weathering effect on physical properties.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Maxillofacial prostheses have a limited clinical lifespan of approximately 6 months.
• Prosthesis replacement is primarily driven by degradation in color and physical integrity.
• Understanding material behavior is crucial for improving prosthesis longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of weathering on the physical properties of various colorant-elastomer combinations.
• To determine how different colorants affect the durability of silicone elastomers used in maxillofacial prostheses.
• To provide data for enhancing the longevity and performance of facial reconstructions.

Main Methods:

• Fabricated 540 specimens using three silicone elastomers and six colorant types.
• Exposed specimens to control, time passage (dark storage), and natural weathering conditions for six months.
• Assessed physical properties including hardness, tear strength, ultimate tensile strength, and percentage elongation.

Main Results:

• Natural weathering and time significantly altered the physical properties of many colorant-elastomer combinations.
• The inclusion of colorants demonstrably changed how elastomers responded to weathering.
• Observed changes indicate that prosthesis properties can degrade over the prosthesis's clinical lifespan.

Conclusions:

• Colorant addition influences the weathering effects on silicone elastomers.
• The inherent stability of silicones in prostheses may be less than previously assumed.
• Findings suggest a need for improved material selection and formulation to extend prosthesis functional life.