A novel filler free silicone rubber biomaterial. II. Radiation chemical and physical evaluation.
Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane was polymerized at 60 degrees C by gamma radiation to yield filler free silicone rubber (FFSR). The G (crosslinking) value of 23.5 was found for the FFSR polymerized for 4 hours, compared to about 2 for the pure polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The sol fractions for both FFSR and cross-linked PDMS varied between 5-7%. The FFSR and the cross-linked PDMS both had tensile strength of about 1 kg per cm2 but FFSR was not brittle and could be extended as much as 500% before breaking. It is believed that the marked improvement in physical properties of FFSR is due to the formation of domains of highly cross-linked material which act as "internal filler".
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000528:radiation effects; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000528:radiation effects; D005720:Gamma Rays; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011108:Polymers; D011854:Radiochemistry; D012828:Silicones / Q000528:radiation effects; D012833:Siloxanes / Q000528:radiation effects; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D011108:Polymers; D012828:Silicones; D012833:Siloxanes