Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Synthesis of Programmable Main-chain Liquid-crystalline Elastomers Using a Two-stage Thiol-acrylate Reaction
Published on: January 19, 2016
Force decay of elastomeric chains - a mechanical design and product comparison study
David A Balhoff1, Matthew Shuldberg, Joseph L Hagan
1LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Objectives:
To evaluate the percentage force decay of elastomeric chain products utilizing three different design mechanisms simulating canine retraction; and to evaluate the percentage force decay of elastomeric chain products from four different companies.
Design:
In vitro, laboratory study.
Setting:
LSUHSC Dental School, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Methods:
Closed (non-spaced), grey elastomeric chains from four companies were selected for the study. Three acrylic resin jigs were constructed to provide a framework for three simulated space closure mechanisms. The 6-5-3, the chain loop, and the 6-3 were the configuration mechanisms used in the study.
Outcome Measures:
An electronic force gauge was used to measure the percentage force decay associated with each elastomeric chain over 28 days at preselected times.
Results:
There was a significant difference in the mean percentage force decay for the three different mechanisms (P < 0·001). For all four companies, the 6-3 mechanical design had the smallest mean percentage force decay. There was a significant difference in the mean percentage force decay for the different companies (P < 0·001). For all three mechanisms, Ormco had the smallest percentage force decay while Unitek had the highest percentage force decay.
Conclusions:
The significant difference in the mean percentage force decay for the different mechanisms suggests that the 6-3 design is a more efficient means of closing extraction spaces utilizing elastomeric chains.
Related Concept Videos
Circular Shafts - Elastoplastic Materials
As torque on the...
Members Made of Elastoplastic Material
As the bending moment...
Residual Stresses in Bending
Plastic Behavior
Strain-Energy Density
In the elastic region of a material, the relationship between the stress and the strain is linear and follows Hooke's Law. The strain energy density in this region...
Elasticity in Concrete

