Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Selective Area Modification of Silicon Surface Wettability by Pulsed UV Laser Irradiation in Liquid Environment
Published on: November 9, 2015
Surface modification of an experimental silicone rubber maxillofacial material to improve wettability
Tariq Aziz1, Mark Waters, Robert Jagger
1Department of Basic Dental Science, College of Medicine, University of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK.
Objectives:
Good wettability of maxillofacial prosthetic materials is important so that a lubricating layer is formed with supporting tissues thus reducing patient discomfort. The purpose of the study was to surface modify an experimental silicone rubber material in order to improve wettability.
Methods:
Samples of experimental silicone rubber were surface modified by first argon plasma treatment followed by chemisorption of ethyleneoxy functional silanes. These were compared with the same silicone rubber which had ethyleneoxy functional surfactants incorporated into the polymer matrix. In all cases contact angles, tear strength and water uptake were measured.
Results:
Surface modified materials had comparable contact angles to surfactant modified silicone rubber all being significantly lower than the unmodified material. Surface modified materials, however, had a significantly higher tear strength and lower water uptake in comparison to surfactant modified materials.
Conclusions:
Argon plasma treatment followed by chemisorption of ethyleneoxy functional silanes proved an effective way of improving the wettability of an experimental silicone rubber maxillofacial prosthetic material without altering bulk properties.
