Hybrid Chitosan–TiO2 Nanocomposite Impregnated in Type A-2186 Maxillofacial Silicone Subjected to Different Accelerated Aging Conditions: An Evaluation of Color Stability

Abstract

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.

Evaluation of the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Maxillofacial Silicone Type A-2186 Impregnated with a Hybrid Chitosan–TiO2 Nanocomposite Subjected to Different Accelerated Aging Conditions

“…In this study, an innovative approach was adopted where the nanocomposite powder was subjected to sonication in ethanol, subsequently integrated with silicone, and then processed via heat and vacuum techniques to expel the ethanol, ensuring a superior dispersion without necessitating auxiliary materials that might adulterate silicone attributes [35].…”

“…The fourth classification was characterized by a hybrid nano-mixture of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and chitosan (TC), combined at a total concentration of 1% by weight, split equally with 0.5 wt.% of TiO 2 and 0.5 wt.% of chitosan. The fifth and final classification involved the impregnation of silicone with a synthetically derived nanocomposite of chitosan-TiO 2 powder at a 1% concentration by weight [35].…”

“…The chitosan-TiO 2 synthesized nanocomposite powder was added to ethanol in specific weight percentages, with ethanol volumes varying according to the quantity of silicone base used for fabricating five specimens. Absolute ethanol of 99.5 wt.% concentration (EM-PARTA ACS; Merck-KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) served as the facilitating medium for the dispersion of chitosan-TiO 2 nanocomposite powder within the silicone base [35]. This blend of ethanol and the chitosan-TiO 2 synthesized nanocomposite was then subjected to a sonication process (Q700 Sonicator; Qsonica LLC, Newtown, CT, USA) for thirty minutes at room temperature, employing continuous cooling.…”