Mechanical Properties of Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomers
Summary
Maxillofacial silicone elastomers constitute the principal material for prosthetic rehabilitation of facial defects, owing to their biocompatibility, flexibility and capacity to mimic the mechanical behaviour of soft tissues. Core mechanical attributes include tensile strength, tear resistance, elongation at break and Shore A hardness, parameters that govern durability, ease of handling and patient comfort. The interplay of polymer network density, cross-linking chemistry and filler content determines the viscoelastic response under static and dynamic loading. Reinforcement with micro- and nano-scale fillers can enhance stiffness and tear resistance, although excessive loading may compromise elasticity and surface finish. Environmental factors such as ultraviolet exposure, temperature fluctuations and chemical disinfection accelerate polymer degradation, leading to reductions in tensile strength and changes in hardness over time. Standardised test methods enable comparative evaluation of elastomer formulations and guide material selection for different anatomical sites and functional demands. Recent advances focus on tailoring filler type, size and surface treatment to balance strength and flexibility, and on refining processing and curing protocols to improve interfacial adhesion and minimise defects. Optimising these mechanical properties underpins the longevity, aesthetic fidelity and functional performance of facial prostheses, with broad implications for restoring patient confidence and quality of life.
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Mechanical Properties of Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomers publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in mechanical properties of maxillofacial silicone elastomers across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Tensile strength: Maximum stress that an elastomer can withstand while being stretched before failure.
Tear strength: Resistance of a material to propagation of a cut or tear under applied force.
Elongation at break: Percentage increase in length of a specimen at the point of rupture, reflecting flexibility.
Shore A hardness: A scale measuring resistance to indentation, indicative of material stiffness.
Elastic modulus: Ratio of stress to strain in the linear elastic region, quantifying stiffness.
Accelerated ageing: Laboratory simulation of long-term environmental exposure to assess material durability in a shorter timeframe.
Nano-filler: Particulate additives with dimensions below 100 nm used to reinforce polymer matrices.
Elastomer: A polymer with high elasticity, capable of reversible deformation under stress.
References
- Evaluation of the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Maxillofacial Silicone Type A-2186 Impregnated with a Hybrid Chitosan–TiO2 Nanocomposite Subjected to Different Accelerated Aging Conditions. Biomimetics (2023).
- Color Stability, Physical Properties and Antifungal Effects of ZrO2 Additions to Experimental Maxillofacial Silicones: Comparisons with TiO2. Prosthesis (2023).
- The Influence of Filler Particles on the Mechanical Properties of Maxillofacial Prosthetic Silicone Elastomers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Polymers (2020).
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