List of Articles by Author

1. Aziz T, Waters M, Jagger R, Polyzois G. Surface Modification of an Experimental Silicone Rubber Maxillofacial Material to Improve Wettability. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2002;36(3):351.
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   Title in English:	Surface Modification of an Experimental Silicone Rubber Maxillofacial Material to Improve Wettability
   Title in Croatian:	nema
   Type of Article:	congress abstract
   MeSH:	SILICONE ELASTOMERS
   Abstract:	OBJECTIVES: Good wettability of maxillofacial prosthetic materials is important so hat a lubricating layer is formed with supporting tissues thus reducing patient discomfort. The purpose of the study was to surface modify an experimental silicone rubber material in order toimprove wettability.METHODS : Samples of experimental silicone rubber were surface modified by first argon plasma treatment followed by chemisorption of ethyleneoxy functional silanes. These were compared with the same silicone rubber which had ethyleneoxy functional surfactants incorporated into the polymer matrix. In all cases contact angles, tear strength and water uptake were measured.RESULTS: Surface modified materials had comparable contact angles to surfactant modified silicone rubber, all being significantly lower than the unmodified material. Surface modified materials however had a significantly higher tear strength and lower water uptake incomparison to surfactant modified materials.CONCLUSION: Argon plasma treatment followed by chemisorption of ethyleneoxy functional silanes proved an effective way of improving the wettability of an experimental silicone rubber maxillofacial prosthetic material without altering bulk properties.