Effect of chemical disinfectants and accelerated aging on maxillofacial silicone elastomers: An Study.

CONTEXT

Maxillofacial prostheses need frequent refabrication due to degradation of color and deterioration of physical properties of the elastomer.

AIMS

This study attempted to evaluate the change in color stability, Shore A hardness, and surface roughness of two maxillofacial silicones, A-2186 and Cosmesil M511, when submitted to chemical disinfection and accelerated aging.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This was a comparative in vitro study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The materials included two silicone elastomers - A-2186 and Cosmesil M511 (Factor II Incorporated) - functional intrinsic red pigment and three disinfectants - Fittydent tablet, chlorhexidine gluconate 4%, and neutral soap. The specimens in each group of elastomer were evaluated initially for color, hardness, and surface roughness, which were further divided into subgroups and subjected to disinfection and accelerated aging. The evaluation of color was performed with the help of an ultraviolet reflectance spectrophotometer. Shore A hardness was evaluated using a durometer and surface roughness, with a digital roughness tester followed by scanning electron microscopy analysis.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

: Analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparison test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Accelerated aging caused a significant decrease in color, increase in Shore A hardness, and variation in surface roughness in both silicone elastomer groups. Chemical disinfection presented significant changes in color and surface roughness whereas no significant effect on Shore hardness, irrespective of the disinfectant used.

CONCLUSIONS

The maxillofacial silicone elastomers presented deterioration in color, hardening, and significant variations in surface roughness when subjected to chemical disinfection and accelerated aging, which provides a valid baseline for future research.