Effect of ultraviolet protective addition on the mechanical properties of different maxillofacial silicones

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of the addition of "2-ethylhexyl salicylate", which is an ultraviolet (UV) protector and therefore found in cosmetic products, on the mechanical properties of different silicones commonly used in maxillofacial prosthesis construction. In this study, 3 different types of maxillofacial silicones with base/catalyst ratio (Silicon Elastomer 10:1, Silicone Elastomer 9:1, Silicone Elastomer 1:1) were added in 3 different ratios and the effects on the mechanical properties of silicones were investigated. In order to mimic the clinical applications of maxillofacial silicones, silicone pigments were added into the each silicone type to mimic skin color. "2-ethylhexyl salicylate" (UV) was added in 3 different ratios such as 1%, 2% and 5%, and a control group of each silicone type were created. In this way, 4 different test groups were formed for each silicone type. For 4 experimental groups of each silicone; hardness test, tensile strength test, and tear strength test, 10 specimens were prepared according to the specified by the relevant standards. The effects of maxillofacial silicone type and ultraviolet protective ratios; on hardness, tensile strength, percent elongation and tear resistance parameters were examined by factorial ANOVA. Shore-A hardness in all the control groups were significantly different in M511 material and a statistically significant decrease was observed in all ratios in Teksil S-25 and A-2000 silicones. In the case of adding 1%, 2% and 5% UV protector into the M511 and A-2000 silicone types, the tested mechanical properties did not show any significant difference compared to the control group. While there was no significant difference in tear strength in all groups of Teksil S-25 silicone type compared to the control group and a significant decrease was observed in tear resistance in tensile strength and percent elongation values.