A comparison of microwave and dry-heat curing methods on the bond strength of silicone facial materials applied to acrylic resin.

PURPOSE

This study compared two curing methods (microwave irradiation and dry heat) on the tensile bond strength of silicone facial materials to cured acrylic resin. The facial materials studied were Mollomed, Silskin II, MDX4-4210, and A-2186.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The samples were processed with microwaves for 13 minutes at 90 W plus 2 minutes at 500 W and dry heat for 3 hours at 100 degrees C to cured acrylic resin. Facial materials 3-mm thick were processed between two half-dumbbells of acrylic resin. The bonding surfaces were treated with a primer. The samples were placed in tension until failure.

RESULTS

The results showed that the bond strength was affected by the type of silicone material and not by the curing methods used.

CONCLUSIONS

Mollomed had the highest bond strength of all materials tested. MDX4-4210 and A-2186 showed the lowest, and Silskin II had intermediate bond strength. Microwave irradiation has the potential of saving time, energy, and resources during the fabrication of facial prostheses, but further laboratory studies and clinical trials are indicated.