Resilient polymeric materials such as silicone elastomers are currently used for maxillofacial prostheses construction but the strength of these materials and their clinical performance need to be optimized with the addition of reinforcing fillers. This study investigates the effect of zirconia nanopowder addition on tear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, Shore A hardness, surface roughness and cytotoxicity of VST-50 maxillofacial silicone. Silicone base was mixed with different amounts (1%, 2% and 3%) of zirconia nanopowder using a vacuum mixer. Silicone without filler was used as control for comparison. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy were utilized to assess the efficiency of high-shear vacuum mixing as filler dispersion method and the surface topography, respectively. Both SEM and AFM images showed that the zirconia nanopowder were distributed fairly well within the polymer. Statistically, highly significant increase in tear strength, tensile strength and hardness with non-significant decrease in elongation at break and non-significant increase in surface roughness were seen with 1% and 2% groups. Whereas with 3% group, there was significant improvement in tear strength, tensile strength and hardness but there was significant undesirable decrease in elongation and increase in roughness. Cytotoxicity test revealed that the addition of zirconia nanopowder was nontoxic to Rat Embryonic Fibroblast (REF) cells and there was non-significant change in the cell viability of all study groups after 24- and 72-hours incubation periods. In conclusion, the addition of 2% by weight nano zirconia to VST-50 maxillofacial silicone could be beneficial in enhancing its performance.
Background: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is used in denture fabrication and considered as the most reliable material for the construction of removable prosthodontic appliances. The material is far from ideal in fulfilling the mechanical requirements and the effect of autoclave processing has not been fully determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of salinized (ZrO2) Nano fillers in percentages 3%, 5% and 7% by weight on some properties of heat cured acrylic processed the by autoclave and compare it with 0% (control) group . Materials and methods: The silanized(ZrO2) Nano-particles was added to PMMA powder by weight in three different percentages 3%, 5% and 7%, mixed by probe ultra-sonication machine.
... Show MoreTo assess the biochemical, mechanical and structural characteristics of retained dentin after applying three novel bromelain‑contained chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) formulations in comparison to the conventional excavation methods (hand and rotary) and a commercial papain‑contained gel (Brix 3000). Seventy‑two extracted permanent molars with natural occlusal carious lesions (score > 4 following the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS‑II)) were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 12) according to the excavation methods: hand excavation, rotary excavation, Brix 3000, bromelain‑contained gel (F1), bromelain‑chloramine‑T (F2), and bromelain chlorhexidine gel (F3). The superficial and deepe
... Show MoreNerium oleander known as oleander has belonged to the poisonous plants its habitat in a tropical andsubtropical region. The chemical analysis with GC-Mass of the alcoholic extract of oleander leaves revealedthat this plant has many chemical compounds more than 80 compounds and high-peaks about 29 compoundswhich are represented by alkaloids, phenol, terpenes, and fatty acid. HPLC analysis showed many essentialoils that have many biological effects.To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the alcoholic extract of N. oleander against locally isolatedPseudomonas aeroginosa the broth micro-dilution method was adapted to different concentrations werestarted from 3.9 to1000 mg/ml. The results revealed that the alcoholic extract has antiba
... Show MoreBackground: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most commonly used material in denture fabrication. The material is far from ideal in fulfilling the mechanical requirement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of 3% wt of treated (silanized) Titanium oxide Nano filler on some physical and mechanical properties of heat cured acrylic denture base material. Materials and methods: 100 specimens were constructed, 50 specimens were prepared from heat cure PMMA without additives (control) and 50 specimens were prepared from heat cure PMMA with the addition of TiO2 Nano fillers. Each group was divided into 5 sub groups according to the test performed which was mixed by probe ultra-sonication machine. Results: A highly
... Show MoreBackground: Imprelon® Biostar foils are new alternative tray material that has become increasingly popular because oftheir several advantages. Also, (Duran®) is another type of Biostar foils which is used in splint therapy. This study assessed some mechanical properties of these two types Biostar sheets in comparison with some types of acrylic resins used for construction of trays and splints. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 specimens were prepared, 30 specimens for each test, 10 for each group material in order to assess some mechanical properties of the Imprelon® Biostar foil (dimension stability, surface roughness and shear bond strength of Imprelon® materialto zinc oxide impression material) and compare them to that of the oth
... Show MoreSingle Walled Carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), as nano-needle structures, are good candidates as nanocarrier delivery systems that carry drug to the site of action. They are good due to their unique pharmaceutical properties. Teniposide is an anticancer drug, which is widely used, but it has a problem of low solubility. In this study, to improve the properties of carbon nanotubes, pre-functionalization of carbon nanotubes via carboxylation with strong acids has been performed and then functionalized through attaching them to the polymer and copolymer. Concurrently, a proper polymer-copolymer combination has been selected by the UV-Visible spectrometer at 880nm. It is selected based on the qualitative dispersibility analysis, the visual observa
... Show MoreThis work deals with preparation of Sulfated Zirconia catalyst (SZ) for isomerization of n-hexane model and refinery light naphtha, as well as enhanced the role of promoters to get the target with the mild condition, stability, and to prevent formation of coke precursors on strong acidic sites of the catalyst. The prepared SZ catalysts were characterization by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer –Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) Analyzer. The results illustrate that the maximum conversion and selectivity for n-hexane isomerization with Ni-WSZ and operating temperature of 150 °C
... Show MoreTitanium dioxide nanotubes were synthesized by anodizing Ti sheets in the ethylene glycol solution and were covered in Pt nanoparticles onto the surface of TiO2NTs using electrodeposition method from using five derivatives of Mannich base Pt complexes which have been used as precursor of platinum. The mean size, shape, elemental composition of the titanium dioxide nanotubes and platinum deposited on the template were evaluated by different techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) technique. From all these analyses, the TiO2NTs prepared and Ptnanoparticles deposited on it were ide
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