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Mouthguards Based on the Shear-Stiffening Effect: Excellent Shock Absorption Ability with Softness Perception
Chao Huang1, Jing Zhou1, Shiyu Gu2
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan ,China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|November 7, 2023
Summary
New shear-stiffening mouthguards (SSMs) offer superior protection against sports injuries. These thin, soft mouthguards significantly reduce impact forces, improving athlete safety and comfort during high-contact activities.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Sports Medicine
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Mouthguards prevent craniomaxillofacial injuries in contact sports.
- Current mouthguards cause discomfort due to thickness and hardness, limiting effectiveness.
- This leads to a higher incidence of oral and facial injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel mouthguard with enhanced shock absorption and comfort.
- To investigate the potential of shear-stiffening materials for protective equipment.
- To improve compliance and protective performance in athletic mouthguards.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of shear-stiffening mouthguards (SSMs) using non-Newtonian materials.
- Comparative analysis of SSMs against commercial mouthguard materials (Erkoflex, Erkoloc-pro).
- Evaluation of shock absorption, peak force reduction, buffer time, and Young's modulus.
Main Results:
- SSMs demonstrated a ~60% reduction in peak impact force compared to commercial materials.
- SSMs provided approximately 3-fold longer buffer time during impact.
- SSMs exhibited a significantly lower Young's modulus (0.48 MPa) indicating softness, and showed in vitro biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- Shear-stiffening mouthguards offer superior shock absorption and comfort.
- SSMs present a promising platform for developing thin, soft, and effective protective oral devices.
- This innovation broadens the application of shear-stiffening materials in sports safety.
