RESUMO
The effects of incorporating a pioneer chitosan-TiO2 nanocomposite on the mechanical and physical properties of room-temperature vulcanization (RTV) maxillofacial A-2186 silicone under accelerated aging protocols were rigorously examined. This investigation utilized 450 samples distributed across five distinct silicone classifications and assessed their attributes, such as tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, hardness, and surface roughness, before and after various accelerated aging processes. Statistical methodologies, including a one-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD, and Dunnett's T3, were employed based on the homogeneity of variance, and several key results were obtained. Silicones infused with 1 wt.% chitosan-TiO2 showed enhanced tensile strength across various aging procedures. Moreover, the 1 wt.% TiO2/Chitosan noncombination (TC) and 2 wt.% TiO2 compositions exhibited pronounced improvements in the elongation percentage. A consistent rise was evident across all silicone categories regarding tear strength, with the 1 wt.% chitosan-TiO2 variant being prominent under certain conditions. Variations in hardness were observed, with the 1 wt.% TC and 3 wt.% chitosan samples showing distinctive responses to certain conditions. Although most samples displayed a decreased surface roughness upon aging, the 1 wt.% chitosan-TiO2 variant frequently countered this trend. This investigation provides insights into the potential of the chitosan-TiO2 nanocomposite to influence silicone properties under aging conditions.
RESUMO
This study explores the impact of the incorporation of a chitosan-TiO2 nanocomposite on the color stability of pigmented room-temperature vulcanization maxillofacial silicone under various accelerated aging conditions. Five hundred disk-shaped specimens were formed with type A-2186 silicone elastomer, and they were distributed into groups based on pigment types and nanoparticle treatments. The color difference (ΔE) was assessed using a colorimeter in the CIELAB color system before and after exposure to aging conditions, including UV-accelerated aging and outdoor weathering. ANOVA, Dennett's T3, and Tukey HSD tests revealed significant color alterations across all silicone types, with the most pronounced being in the red-colored 3% chitosan specimens and the least pronounced being in the 2% TiO2 specimens that underwent UV-accelerated aging. Outdoor weathering consistently increased the ΔE values across all categories. This study suggests that while nanoparticles may offer some resistance against accelerated aging, they fall short in adequately defending against UV radiation during outdoor weathering.