Mechanical properties of 2 new addition-vulcanizing silicone prosthetic elastomers.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated some mechanical properties of 2 newly introduced, addition-type silicone prosthetic elastomers (Cosmesil and Episil).


METHODS
The properties evaluated were tensile strength, modulus at 100% elongation, elongation at break, tear strength, and hardness. The properties tested were selected because of their clinical significance for fabricating facial prostheses.


RESULTS
Episil showed greater tensile strength (P = 0.0002), elastic modulus (P = 0.0001), hardness (P = 0.0002), and tear strength (P = 0.0004) than Cosmesil material. Cosmesil exhibited a higher elongation at break (P = 0.0002) than Episil.


CONCLUSIONS
Cosmesil and Episil showed reasonable properties as facial prosthetic elastomers and neither was superior for all properties tested. Both materials showed favorable combinations of elongation at break and tear strength.
Polyzois
G L
GL
Department of Removable Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Athens, Greece. remprath@internet.gr
D004548:Elasticity; D006244:Hardness; D008422:Materials Testing; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013718:Tensile Strength
D012826:Silicone Elastomers; C545984:episil