Dispersion of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomer by Ultrasonication: A Morphological Study

Volume 6 , Issue 2 , December 2019 , Pages 31-37

Authors

Mohammed T. Abdalqadir 1 ; Souza A. Faraj 1 ; Bruska A. Azhdar 2

1 Department of Proshodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Iraq.

2 Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Iraq

DOI logo 10.17656/sdj.10094

Keywords

Abstract

Objective: Aggregation and agglomeration of nanoparticles in silicone elastomer is a common problem that adversely affects the
mechanical properties of the silicone because the aggregations act as a weak and stress concentrating point within the silicone elastomer
matrix. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sonication on the dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles in M-511 heat
vulcanized maxillofacial silicone.
Methods: Nano-ZnO was added in concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 5% by weight to Cosmesil M-511 heat vulcanized maxillofacial
silicone elastomer, after sonication of ZnO nanoparticles in ethanol for 30 minutes at room temperature, and 1%, 2%, 3%, and 5% were
added by weight without sonication of ZnO nanoparticles. Then field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X-ray
diffraction (XRD) tests were used to assess the efficiency of the dispersion method and to monitor the particle size of nano-ZnO.
Results: FESEM test showed a reduction in cluster size of nano-ZnO as a result of sonication. XRD and FESEM showed a homogenous
dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles within the silicone matrix.
Conclusions: Based on the results of this morphological study, sonication of nano-ZnO in ethanol represented an effective and easy
way to disperse nano-ZnO in a silicone elastomer matrix. This led to a superior quality nanocomposite without affecting the base
material and without the need for a coupling agent or addition of any third material.

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  • Published at1 December 2019

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