Surface modification of an experimental silicone rubber maxillofacial material to improve wettability.
OBJECTIVE
Good wettability of maxillofacial prosthetic materials is important so that a lubricating layer is formed with supporting tissues thus reducing patient discomfort. The purpose of the study was to surface modify an experimental silicone rubber material in order to improve wettability.


METHODS
Samples of experimental silicone rubber were surface modified by first argon plasma treatment followed by chemisorption of ethyleneoxy functional silanes. These were compared with the same silicone rubber which had ethyleneoxy functional surfactants incorporated into the polymer matrix. In all cases contact angles, tear strength and water uptake were measured.


RESULTS
Surface modified materials had comparable contact angles to surfactant modified silicone rubber all being significantly lower than the unmodified material. Surface modified materials, however, had a significantly higher tear strength and lower water uptake in comparison to surfactant modified materials.


CONCLUSIONS
Argon plasma treatment followed by chemisorption of ethyleneoxy functional silanes proved an effective way of improving the wettability of an experimental silicone rubber maxillofacial prosthetic material without altering bulk properties.
Department of Basic Dental Science, College of Medicine, University of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK.
Tariq
T
Aziz
Mark
M
Waters
Robert
R
Jagger
D008422:Materials Testing; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012821:Silanes; D012826:Silicone Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D017155:Wettability; D014906:Wetting Agents
D012821:Silanes; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D014906:Wetting Agents