Yang, Kar Lai Alice. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references. / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts also in Chinese.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nano ceramic fiber fillers on the physical properties of VST-50HD silicone maxillofacial prosthesis. Nano alumina fibers at 2 percent, 4-percent, and 6-percent wt were mixed into the VST-50HD silicone elastomer (Factor II Inc., Lakeside, AZ), a commercially-available poly(dimethylsiloxanes). Ten dumb-bell-shaped specimens were used to determine the tensile strength according to ISO 37:2005 and elongation at fracture. Ten trouser-shaped test pieces were used to determine the tear resistance according to ISO 34-1:2004. Shore A test method was used to measure the hardness of the material. The data collected from all quantitative studies of the modified silicones were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with concentration of nano ceramic fiber as the main variable. Specimens from VST- 50HD were also made and tested as control. Results: The mean values for tensile strength (MPa) of control group, 2-percent, 4-percent, and 6-percent reinforced nano ceramic fiber fillers were from 3.43 ± 0.12 to 5.48 ± 0.71. Tear strength (MPa) were from 2.34 ± 0.37 to 5.01 ± 0.39. Elongations at fracture were from 699.66 ± 43.69 to 793.51 ± 57.27. Shore A hardness were from 25.76 ± 2.18 to 38.76 ± 1.83. Conclusion: There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the mean tensile, tear and Shore A hardness strengths between the control group and 2-percent, 4-percent, and 6-percent percent reinforced nano ceramic fiber fillers; however, there was not a significant difference (p > 0.05) between 2-percent, 4-percent, and 6-percent reinforced nano ceramic fiber fillers. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the mean elongation at fracture between the 2-percent and control group, 4-percent, and 6-percent reinforced nano ceramic fiber fillers; however, there was not a significant difference (p > 0.05) between control group, 4-percent, and 6-percent reinforced nano ceramic fiber fillers. The properties of the experiment were all lower than the control. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate material and amount of dispersing agent, coupling agent, and determination of the hydprophilicity of the nano ceramic fiber fillers with great emphasis on the dispersing agent.