Bond strength of double-sided adhesive tapes used for facial prostheses

This study evaluated the tensile bond strengths of five silicone facial elastomers to human skin by use of five different double-sided adhesive tapes. Discs of silicone elastomers were fixed in circular metal holders and glued to the inner aspect of a forearm with the various adhesive tapes. The specimens were pulled off 20 seconds after fixation by means of a universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. Eight specimens of each silicone/tape combination were tested. Significant differences were observed among the various silicone/tape combinations. MDX4-4210 and Cosmesil facial elastomers had the strongest bond to skin with the majority of adhesive tapes, whereas Silskin II, Cosmesil HC2, and RS 330T-RTV were the weakest. After the bond failure, tapes remained adhered to the skin and not to the silicone specimens.