Mechanical Evaluation of Boron Nanoparticle‐Modified Silicone Elastomers for Maxillofacial Prostheses

This study evaluated the effects of boron nanoparticles (BNPs) on the mechanical properties of two silicone elastomers, A‐2000 and A‐2006. Tensile, tear, hardness, and elongation tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM and ISO standards. A total of 180 specimens were prepared, comprising control groups without BNPs and experimental groups containing 1 and 3 wt% BNPs. Tensile and tear strength tests were performed using a device with a 1 kN capacity at a crosshead speed of 100 mm/min; hardness was measured using Shore A tests, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was employed to assess surface roughness. Tensile testing revealed that the A‐2000 control group exhibited the highest tensile strength, with significant reductions observed in both BNP‐incorporated subgroups. In A‐2006, tensile strength decreased significantly with 1 wt% BNPs but partially recovered at 3 wt%. Tear strength in A‐2000 significantly decreased at 1 wt% but returned to control levels at 3 wt%, whereas no statistically significant differences were observed among the A‐2006 subgroups. Hardness significantly increased with 3 wt% BNPs in A‐2000 and with both 1 and 3 wt% BNPs in A‐2006. Regarding elongation, A‐2000 showed no significant change compared with the control, although the 1 and 3 wt% groups differed significantly from each other. In A‐2006, both 1 and 3 wt% BNP groups showed significant reductions in elongation compared with the control. Overall, A‐2000 exhibited superior tensile and tear strength, while A‐2006 demonstrated greater elongation capacity. These findings indicate that BNP incorporation depends on both the elastomer type and concentration, with potential trade‐offs between improved hardness and decreased flexibility. Both A‐2000 and A‐2006 remain viable options for maxillofacial prostheses, although optimization of BNP concentration is essential to balance strength, durability, and flexibility.