[The effect of filler content on properties of polyaddition-type silicone impression material]

The effect of quartz filler content on viscosity, dynamic viscoelasticity and tensile stress of polyaddition-type silicone impression materials were investigated. A hydrogen polydimethylsiloxane (H-silicone) and two vinyl polydimethylsiloxane (V-silicone) silicone prepolymers were prepared. Quartz fillers were mixed to them at contents between 0 and 50% by weight. The viscosity of these rubber compounds and mechanical properties of set materials were measured by a cone and plate viscometer, the dynamic shear test and the tension test, respectively. Viscosity eta storage modulus G' and tensile stress sigma increased with the amount of filler increase. G' and sigma were decreased by use of a V-silicone prepolymer which had a high average molecular weight and the material was more flexible. This suggests that the characteristics of the silicone prepolymer greatly affect the mechanical properties of the impression materials. Therefore, the appropriate molecular design for silicone prepolymer and reasonable filler content should be considered to make impression materials that have suitable properties for clinical use.