This study compared the molecular structures, densities, tensile strength, tear strength, hardness, abrasion resistance, wetting, and shock energy absorption of polyolefin polymers with those of Erukoflex (EVA), poly (ethylene-vinyl acetate) copolymer in order to determine the suitability of these new materials for use in custom-made mouth protectors. EVA was used as a control.The results were as follows:1. IR spectra of the molecular structures of Molteno soft (MS), Molteno regular (MR), and Molteno hard (MH) identified as ethylene-propylene thermoplastic elastomers.2. The densities of MS, MR, and MH were measured to be 0.868, 0.875, and 0.885 g/cm3 respectively. All were lower than that of EVA.3. The tensile strength, tear strength, hardness, and abrasion resistance were largest in MH, followed by MR and then MS. EVA was comparable to MR with regard to these physical properties.4. These 3 materials had contact angles to water of 89-97 degrees. The contact angle of EVA was 94.6 degrees.5. The shock energy absorption was largest in MS, followed by MR and then MH.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Moritaka Maeda (1994) studied this question.