Color stability and colorant effect on maxillofacial elastomers. Part II: weathering effect on physical properties.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The clinical life of a maxillofacial prosthesis averages about 6 months, before it needs to be refabricated. Degradation of the color and physical properties of the prosthesis are the principle reasons for replacement. PURPOSE This second part of a 3-part in vitro investigation evaluated the change in physical properties of popular colorant-elastomer combinations as a result of weather exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifteen dumbbell-shaped and 15 trouser-shaped specimens were fabricated for each of the 3 elastomers (Silastic medical adhesive type A, Silastic 4-4210, and Silicone A-2186) and 6 colorant combinations (dry earth pigments, rayon fiber flocking, artist's oil paints, kaolin, liquid cosmetics, and no-colorants) for a total of 540 specimens. The 15 dumbbell-shaped and trouser-shaped specimens of each elastomer colorant combination were separated into 5 of each shape among 3 test condition groups (control, time passage, and natural weathering). Control specimens were evaluated within 1 month of fabrication. The time passage group was sealed in glass containers and kept in the dark for 6 months before testing. The natural-weathering groups were placed on the roof of the dental school for 6 months and exposed to sunlight and weathering. Evaluations of hardness and tear strength were made on trouser-shaped specimens, and evaluations of the ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation on dumbbell-shaped specimens. Physical property data for each elastomer-colorant combination were subjected to a 1-way analysis of variance to examine effects among the test conditions. When significant differences were observed, the Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test was performed to identify differences in elastomer-colorant combinations among each test condition at a significance level of .05. RESULTS Exposure to weathering and time changes of the physical properties of many colorant-elastomer combinations indicated that properties of a clinical prosthesis can change with time. CONCLUSION The addition of colorants to the silicones altered the effects of weathering. In addition, the silicones were not as stable as previously assumed.