MATERIALS SCIENCE Physical Properties of a Pigmented Silicone Maxillofacial Material as a Function of Accelerated Aging

The effects of accelerated aging on a pigmented elastomer were evaluated by using a weathering chamber. Silastic 44210, a maxillofacial material with proven color and physical property stability, was chosen for pigmentation with 11 maxillo-facial pigments. The values of ultimate tensile strength, maximum percent elongation, shear strength, Shore A hardness, and permanent de-formation were determined for the pigmen ted elastomer before and after accelerated aging for 900 h. Results obtained indicate that the incor-poration of 0.2 % by weight of pigments can alter the physical and mechanical properties of the base elastomer. Accelerated aging had no effect on the physical properties of the pigmentlelastomer combinations