Microencapsulated Medical Grade Silicone for Use in Dental Materials

Objectives: The objective of this study was to synthesize novel fillers for dental materials containing medical grade silicone.
Methods: A heterogeneous polymerization technique was utilized to prepare microcapsules containing medical grade silicone. The microcapsule particle size and particle size distribution were measured by scanning electron microscopy. Dental composites containing mixtures of glass and microencapsulated silicone were prepared in UDMA continuous phases. The flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composites were measured as a function of microcapsule loading.
Results: Scanning electron microscopy provided support for the successful synthesis of microcapsules containing medical grade silicone oil. The particle size and particle size distribution was determined as a function of reaction synthesis conditions. Fracture toughness of composites loaded with 10 w/w% microcapsules had a statistically similar fracture toughness to control compositions with no microcapsules. Fracture toughness decreased with loading over 15% or more microcapsules. The flexural strength of composites loaded with microencapsulated silicone decreases with microcapsule loading, while the extension at peak load increased.
Conclusions: Preparation of microencapsulated medical grade silicone was demonstrated. Incorporation of microcapsules containing medical grade silicone into dental composites offers the potential for materials with unique mechanical properties.