Mechanical properties of experimental silicone soft lining materials

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of experimental silicone elastomers, Silastic(®) MDX 4-4210 reinforced with silica fillers, to assess its potential as a denture soft lining material. The mechanical properties measured included tensile strength, percentage elongation, tear strength, and Shore A hardness. Using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test, the results indicated that silicone elastomers with filler loadings of 6, 8, and 10 phr had significantly greater tensile strength, percentage elongation, tear strength with a softer surface compared with commercial materials (p<0.001). In conclusion, the experimental silicone elastomers revealed acceptable mechanical properties to be used as denture soft lining materials.