Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 13 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 240-246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260520
Comparative Evaluation of Incorporation of Graphene Nanoparticle on Tear Strength, Tensile Strength, Percent Elongation and Hardness of Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomeric Material: An In-Vitro Study
Mangali Punyakeerthi1, Pawan Kumar2, Sri Harsha Pudi3, Veerendra Prasad, Swathi Nallabapani5, Amatullah Sadiya6
1¹Postgraduate Student, Department of Prosthodontics, MNR Dental college and Hospital, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
2Professor & Head, Department of Prosthodontics, MNR Dental college and Hospital, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
3Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, MNR Dental college and Hospital, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
4Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, MNR Dental college and Hospital, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
5Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, [MNR Dental college and Hospital, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
Corresponding Author: Sri Harsha Pudi
ABSTRACT
Background: Maxillofacial silicone elastomers are widely used for facial prostheses; however, their clinical longevity is limited due to poor tear strength and mechanical degradation.
Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of graphene nanoparticle incorporation on mechanical properties of maxillofacial silicone elastomer.
Materials and Methods: A total of 120 silicone samples were fabricated and divided into control and graphene-reinforced groups (0.5 wt%). Each group was subdivided based on tests: tear strength, tensile strength, elongation, and hardness. Mechanical testing was performed using a universal testing machine and Shore A durometer following ASTM standards.
Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and independent t-test.
Results: Graphene incorporation significantly improved tear strength, tensile strength, and elongation, while reducing hardness. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Graphene nanoparticles enhance mechanical properties of maxillofacial silicone elastomers and can improve clinical durability of prostheses.
Keywords: Graphene nanoparticles, Maxillofacial silicone, Tear strength, Tensile strength, Percent Elongation, Hardness, Elastomer.
[PDF Full Text]