Abstract
Introduction: Although both patients and prosthodontists accept silicone elastomers, additional improvements in their characteristics are needed to increase their performance. During the last decade, chemical researches had been conducted to produce a new generation of polymer with Nano filler integrated into the polymer matrix, resulting in a better material that combines the strength of the Nano filler with the flexibility of the organic polymer
Aims: The study aims to evaluate the effects of strontium Titanate (SrTiO3) nano particles addition on some mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elongation percentage, tear strength, shore A hardness, and surface roughness, of VST-50 maxillofacial silicone elastomer.
Materials and Method: SrTiO3 nanoparticles (average particle size 80-100nm) were introduced into VST-50 platinum silicone elastomer in two weight percentages (1% and 1.5%), as determined by the pilot study, which yielded the most suitable results. A total of 150 specimens were made and divided into control group and two experimental groups. The three groups were then divided into five identical subgroups in accordance with the intentionally performed test. For each subgroup, ten specimens were utilized. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 when statistical analysis was performed on the data.
Results: Both experimental groups (1% and 1.5%) revealed highly significant increase in tensile strength, tear strength and surface roughness. The 1.5% group revealed a highly significant increase in hardness, while 1% groups revealed a nonsignificant increase. Groups (1% and 1.5%) showed highly significant decrease in elongation percentage.
Conclusion: The addition of SrTiO3 NPs to VST-50 silicone enhanced tear and tensile strength. Surface hardness and roughness increased, but only to clinically acceptable levels. The percentage of elongation was decreased significantly.