Microstructural characterization and evaluation of the properties of polymeric materials for maxillofacial prosthetics.

This study evaluated the Shore A hardness, colour and microstructural alterations of an experimental silicone for maxillofacial prostheses. As a control, the MDX 4-4210 silicone was used. Eighty specimens of each material were randomly divided into groups of pigmentation and ageing. For microstructural analysis by Thermogravimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry, three specimens of each group were used. Anova and Tukey test (p < 0.05) was used in statistical analysis. There was significant difference in hardness depending on the materials, pigmentation and ageing and interaction between all the factors evaluated (p = 0.00). The colour change was significant due to ageing (p = 0.00) and the interaction between the factors evaluated (p = 0.00). The microstructural analyses have shown that ageing methods and pigmentations did not cause structural alterations. The results suggest that the alterations in hardness and colour do not represent important structural changes.